Surgical procedures
Triceps repairs
Reattaching the torn triceps tendon to the point of the elbow to restore the strength to straighten the arm and push away from the body.
Elbow tendon repair
Outpatient
Restores strength
What is a triceps repair?
The triceps is the powerful muscle on the back of the arm that straightens the elbow, essential for pushing, pressing, and rising from a chair. Its tendon anchors to the olecranon, the bony point of the elbow.
When the tendon tears away from the bone, surgical repair reattaches it securely. Like other tendon repairs, it is most straightforward when done within the first few weeks, before the tendon retracts.
What & why
Why it's recommended
A complete triceps tendon rupture
Meaningful loss of straightening or pushing strength
A partial tear that fails to improve with therapy
An active patient seeking full restoration of arm strength
At a glance
Timing Matters
Triceps repairs are most effective in the first few weeks after injury, before the tendon retracts and scars.
Anesthesia & hospital stay
The day of surgery
The procedure takes about an hour. You'll be fully asleep, often with a regional block for the arm.
General anesthesia
Completely asleep, often with a regional arm block.
About 1 hour
A focused, efficient procedure.
Home same day
Performed as an outpatient procedure.
Outpatient setting
Performed at Summit Atlantic Surgery Center or Overlook.
Recovery timeline & milestones
What recovery looks like
Recovery protects the repair while the tendon heals to bone, then restores motion and strength in stages.
Protect
A splint holds the elbow while the repair begins to heal.
Restore motion
A hinged brace allows gradually increasing motion in a protected range.
Strengthen
Progressive strengthening rebuilds pushing and straightening power.
Full use
A staged return to pressing, lifting, and sport.
Risks & benefits
Weighing the procedure
- Restores straightening and pushing strength
- Corrects the defect where the tendon pulled away
- A focused, outpatient procedure
- Best results when repaired early
- Temporary numbness near the incision
- Stiffness during recovery
- Re rupture with early overloading, uncommon
- Infection or wound irritation, uncommon
Treats these conditions
This procedure treats triceps ruptures at the elbow.
FAQ
Common questions
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Ideally within the first few weeks of injury, before the tendon retracts, which makes repair more difficult.
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Most patients regain excellent straightening and pushing strength after repair and staged rehabilitation.
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Loaded pressing typically returns around four to six months, once the repair has matured and strength has been rebuilt.
Related conditions