"Snapping triceps": A rare and misleading condition - a clinical case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Anatomy

Background:

• Snapping triceps is a rare condition characterized by the medial head of the triceps brachii subluxating over the medial epicondyle during elbow flexion.
• This condition is often misdiagnosed due to its misleading presentation and frequent association with ulnar nerve instability.

Observation:

• The subluxation of the triceps tendon can be subtle and easily overlooked during clinical examination.
• Ulnar nerve instability can further complicate the diagnosis, potentially masking the snapping triceps phenomenon.

Findings:

• Accurate diagnosis relies heavily on a thorough clinical assessment, including specific maneuvers to elicit the snapping sensation.
• Surgical intervention is the primary treatment, involving anterior translocation of the ulnar nerve and stabilization with an adipose flap.
• A key surgical technique includes transferring the distal attachment of the medial head of the triceps brachii to address the underlying cause of subluxation.

Implications:

• Successful surgical management can alleviate elbow pain and clicking associated with snapping triceps.
• Addressing associated ulnar nerve instability concurrently improves functional outcomes and prevents long-term complications.
• This approach offers a definitive solution for patients suffering from this uncommon yet debilitating condition.