Complications after traumatic distal triceps tears: an analysis of 107 cases

The major complication and reoperation rates after distal triceps repair are poorly defined. The purpose of this large retrospective cohort study of distal triceps repairs performed by multiple surgeons within a large orthopedic group was to more clearly define the rates and risk factors of clinically impactful major complications and reoperations.

All distal triceps tendon repairs for traumatic injuries performed from January 2006 to April 2017 with a minimum 2-month follow-up were identified using the Current Procedural Terminology code 24342. A total of 107 patients were included in this study. The primary outcome measure was total major complication rate. Reoperations, minor complications, and risk factors were also tracked.

Repairs were performed via bone tunnels (63.5%), suture anchors (13%), or a combination of the two (17.8%). A 14% complication rate and 13.1% reoperation rate were observed. Indication for reoperation included 9 reruptures, 3 infections, and 2 others. The time between injury and surgery was not found to be a risk factor for tendon rerupture. Smoking status, gender, utilization of a splint or controlled motion brace, and time to first active mobilization were not shown to influence rates or rerupture.

Distal triceps repair for traumatic injuries is associated with 14% complication and 13.1% reoperation rates. Patient, rehabilitation, and surgeon-specific factors did not influence the complication rate.