Triceps Tendon Avulsion in a Soldier: A Case Report.
Rita Chorba, Collin Hu, Jess Feldtmann
PMID 38707857WHAT IT FOUND
In one soldier with intact elbow extension strength, ultrasound showed a high-grade partial triceps tendon tear.
This led to MRI and repair within three weeks. He returned to full duty at eleven months.
Key findings
01The initial examination showed 5/5 triceps strength and 0-135 degrees of elbow range, while ultrasound after a later re-injury showed a high-grade partial tendon avulsion.
02Ultrasound prompted MRI two days later, and MRI confirmed a partial triceps tendon avulsion with tendinosis.
03The soldier returned to full active military duties at eleven months postoperatively and reported pain-free physical and occupational capabilities at two years follow-up.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
This is one soldier, so it does not show that ultrasound, MRI, surgery, or rehabilitation works for other patients. There was no comparison group, so the contribution of ultrasound to referral timing or outcome cannot be separated from the rest of his care. The soldier had a prior triceps injury and chronic tendinosis, so this may not apply to a first-time injury. The paper states that ultrasound lacks validity compared with MRI for triceps tendon injuries and has no triceps-specific agreement studies beyond case reports. Ultrasound was operator dependent, and the paper states that skill and experience affect accuracy. Ultrasound cannot provide a global assessment and may miss other injuries outside the probe window. The cost and training needed for portable ultrasound may limit use.
Declared interests
The authors reported no conflict of interest and no funding. The opinions are solely the authors’ and not official Department of the Army policy.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the successful return to duty as proof that ultrasound or early repair works. This is one soldier with a prior triceps injury and no comparison group, so the result may reflect his specific case rather than the effect of any treatment.