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Measurement of Healthy and Injured Triceps Surae Morphology
Published on: October 27, 2023
Triceps brachii tendon: anatomic-MR imaging study in cadavers with histologic correlation.
Clarissa Belentani1, Daniel Pastore, Mani Wangwinyuvirat
1Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA. clarissa.belentani@gmail.com
Skeletal Radiology
|November 6, 2008
Summary
The triceps brachii tendon (TBT) appears bipartite on MRI but inserts as a single unit on the olecranon. This study clarifies normal TBT anatomy and its insertion characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Understanding the normal anatomy of the triceps brachii tendon (TBT) insertion is crucial for diagnosing injuries.
- Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging is a key modality for evaluating musculoskeletal structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the normal MR anatomy of the triceps brachii tendon insertion.
- To correlate MR findings with anatomic and histopathologic analyses.
- To review triceps tendon injuries.
Main Methods:
- Twelve cadaveric elbows were analyzed.
- T1-weighted spin-echo MR images were acquired in three planes.
- MR findings were correlated with gross anatomic and histologic examination.
Main Results:
- The triceps brachii tendon exhibited a bipartite appearance on MR images in all specimens.
- Histopathologic analysis revealed a common insertion of all three triceps heads onto the olecranon.
- The apparent bipartite nature on MR imaging was attributed to the union of tendons just prior to bony insertion.
Conclusions:
- The triceps brachii tendon demonstrates a bipartite appearance on MR imaging.
- The tendon inserts as a single, unified structure onto the olecranon.
