Chronic Tear of the Distal Triceps Tendon Treated With Suture Anchors and Fascia Lata Allograft: Case Report, Surgical Technique and Literature Review. Issue 3 (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bonicoli, Enrico; Giuntoli, Michele; Ipponi, Edoardo; Battaglia, Pietro; Angelini, Ilaria; Scaglione, Michelangelo
• Is Part Of: Techniques in shoulder & elbow surgery. Volume 21:Issue 3(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: triceps tendon -- chronic tear -- reconstruction -- allograft -- fascia lata; Shoulder -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Elbow -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1097/BTE.0000000000000197
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1523-9896

Abstract

Abstract : Chronic tears of the distal triceps tendon are extremely uncommon lesions. Surgical therapy can be performed with a direct reattachment of the 2 sides of the lesion or—in case of significant tendon retraction—using grafts to fill the resulting gap. Herein, we report a case of a torn distal triceps tendon that occurred in a 33-year-old patient suffering from paraplegia. The resulting functional impairment of the elbow impeded her to use a wheelchair, causing a substantial limitation to her mobility and autonomy. Preoperative clinical evaluation, x-rays, muscle-tendon ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imagingwas been performed. In consideration of a 6 cm retraction at the surgery, we reconstructed the tendon using a combination of suture anchors (5 mm Super Reevo ConMed) and a cadaver fascia lata allograft. After surgery, the elbow was immobilized in extension inside a brachio-metacarpal cast for 30 days. In the following month, the cast was replaced with a hinged elbow brace and progressive mobilization was permitted. Five months postoperatively, the patient regained her previous active flexion-extension articular ROM and was able to use her wheelchair again. No complication occurred.