A novel approach for rehabilitation of a triceps tendon rupture: A case report

Generate hypotheses and add new perspectives to the literature in the nonsurgical management of large ruptures in the distal part of the triceps tendon.

The patient was physically active, right handed, with a history of 20 years of resistance training practice and involvement in many activities, mostly combat sports (boxing, karate and mixed martial arts). The exercise program was designed with high repetitions and low rest intervals between sets in order to increase the metabolic stress. The resistance training with focus on tendon rehabilitation was performed in 28 weeks, with a follow-up of 52 weeks. The outcomes were changes in muscle strength and in the morphology of muscle and tendon.

The results obtained in the isokinetic tests showed that the functional deficit was more evident during isometric than dynamic actions, and was also higher is slow than fast actions. Dynamic performance was fully recovered at the end of the follow up, while isometric strength did not.

The present case reports a successful rehabilitation program after a near maximum triceps tendon rupture. The novelty was in the use of a simple resistance training program, that demanded low time commitment and was performed in a regular fitness facility.