Biceps tendon and triceps tendon injuries.

Injuries to the biceps and triceps tendons about the elbow are relatively infrequent. Typically, they are traumatic events that occur as a result of a forceful eccentric contraction. Early recognition of these injuries and prompt intervention are the cornerstones to a successful outcome. Acute anatomic repair of complete injuries offers predictably good results. Conservative management, on the other hand, is typically reserved for partial injuries with little functional compromise, and for patients unfit for surgery. The challenges posed by chronic injuries can be addressed with a variety of surgical options. This article focuses on the timely identification and diagnosis of these injuries and specific indications and guidelines for their treatment.