Triceps Tendon Avulsion in a Soldier: A Case Report

# Background Clinical assessment of triceps brachii tendon tears is challenging, and conventional imaging methods have limitations. Timely surgical referral is important in high-grade tears to maximize patient outcomes, and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) can be used at the time of clinical exa...

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Main Authors: Rita Chorba, Collin Hu, Jess Feldtmann
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: North American Sports Medicine Institute 2024-05-01
Series:International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.116276
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author Rita Chorba
Collin Hu
Jess Feldtmann
author_facet Rita Chorba
Collin Hu
Jess Feldtmann
author_sort Rita Chorba
collection DOAJ
description # Background Clinical assessment of triceps brachii tendon tears is challenging, and conventional imaging methods have limitations. Timely surgical referral is important in high-grade tears to maximize patient outcomes, and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) can be used at the time of clinical examination to identify such injuries requiring advanced imaging and orthopedic referral. # Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this case report is to describe how MSK US was used to facilitate advanced imaging and timely orthopedic referral for a patient presenting to a physical therapist with a high-grade triceps tendon avulsion. # Study Design Case Report # Case Description A 35-year-old male soldier presented to a direct access sports physical therapist with acute-on-chronic right elbow pain. Physical examination and MSK US were used to identify a high-grade partial triceps brachii tendon tear. The MSK US findings informed the physical therapist's decision-making process to refer the subject for timely advanced imaging studies as well as referral to an orthopedic physician. # Outcomes A high-grade partial triceps tendon avulsion was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The subject was then seen by an orthopedic surgeon and underwent surgical repair of the tendon within the recommended three-week timeframe for optimal outcomes. The subject completed a post-operative rehabilitation program and returned to full physical and occupational activities. # Conclusion MSK US can assist in the diagnosis of challenging triceps tendon injuries, facilitating timely advanced imaging and orthopedic referrals for high-grade injuries to optimize patient outcomes. # Level of Evidence 5
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spelling doaj-art-a0f593acfd564435b1c9e8fa6401b5232025-02-11T20:29:36ZengNorth American Sports Medicine InstituteInternational Journal of Sports Physical Therapy2159-28962024-05-01195Triceps Tendon Avulsion in a Soldier: A Case ReportRita ChorbaCollin HuJess Feldtmann# Background Clinical assessment of triceps brachii tendon tears is challenging, and conventional imaging methods have limitations. Timely surgical referral is important in high-grade tears to maximize patient outcomes, and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) can be used at the time of clinical examination to identify such injuries requiring advanced imaging and orthopedic referral. # Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this case report is to describe how MSK US was used to facilitate advanced imaging and timely orthopedic referral for a patient presenting to a physical therapist with a high-grade triceps tendon avulsion. # Study Design Case Report # Case Description A 35-year-old male soldier presented to a direct access sports physical therapist with acute-on-chronic right elbow pain. Physical examination and MSK US were used to identify a high-grade partial triceps brachii tendon tear. The MSK US findings informed the physical therapist's decision-making process to refer the subject for timely advanced imaging studies as well as referral to an orthopedic physician. # Outcomes A high-grade partial triceps tendon avulsion was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The subject was then seen by an orthopedic surgeon and underwent surgical repair of the tendon within the recommended three-week timeframe for optimal outcomes. The subject completed a post-operative rehabilitation program and returned to full physical and occupational activities. # Conclusion MSK US can assist in the diagnosis of challenging triceps tendon injuries, facilitating timely advanced imaging and orthopedic referrals for high-grade injuries to optimize patient outcomes. # Level of Evidence 5https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.116276
spellingShingle Rita Chorba
Collin Hu
Jess Feldtmann
Triceps Tendon Avulsion in a Soldier: A Case Report
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
title Triceps Tendon Avulsion in a Soldier: A Case Report
title_full Triceps Tendon Avulsion in a Soldier: A Case Report
title_fullStr Triceps Tendon Avulsion in a Soldier: A Case Report
title_full_unstemmed Triceps Tendon Avulsion in a Soldier: A Case Report
title_short Triceps Tendon Avulsion in a Soldier: A Case Report
title_sort triceps tendon avulsion in a soldier a case report
url https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.116276
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