Postoperative Rehabilitation and Return-to-Sport Criteria After Distal Triceps Rupture Repair: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Distal triceps rupture is a rare injury requiring surgical repair for optimal elbow function.
• Active individuals with distal triceps ruptures aim for return to sport (RTS).
• Current literature lacks a standardized rehabilitation protocol for RTS after distal triceps repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze existing criteria for RTS after distal triceps repair in the scientific literature.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
• Included studies were Level 1-4 evidence with a minimum 12-month follow-up.
• Studies excluded nonoperative treatments, lacked specific RTS criteria, or involved revision cases.

Main Results:

• Six studies (116 patients, 16 sports) met inclusion criteria.
• High RTS rates (mean 89.3%) were reported, with return to sport timelines varying from 4 to 6 months.
• Rehabilitation focused on range of motion and strengthening; however, only one study provided subjective RTS criteria, and none used objective measures.

Conclusions:

• A high rate of return to sport is achievable after distal triceps repair.
• There is a significant lack of consensus and standardized objective criteria for RTS.
• Further research should focus on developing functional and performance-based metrics for RTS and rehabilitation.