Triceps Repair — Distal Triceps Tendon Repair

Sutter Health / Palo Alto Medical Foundation · Kevin Roth MD

Weight-Bearing

N/A (upper extremity)

Key Restrictions

Splint 1 wk; hinged brace locked 90° (unlocked 0-90° for ROM); NO active elbow extension until 6 weeks post-op; brace wean at 8 weeks

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (wks 0-3): Post-op splint 1 wk → hinged brace locked 90° (unlocked 0-90° for ROM); passive ext to 0°, active flex to 90°, full forearm supination/pronation, shoulder/wrist/hand exercises, edema/scar management; NO active elbow extension; Phase II (wks 3-6): Hinged brace except exercise/hygiene; passive ext to 0° as tolerated, active/passive flex increase 10°/wk; continue shoulder/wrist/hand exercises; NO active elbow extension; Phase III (wk 6 to 6 months): Gradually wean from brace at 8 wks; begin active elbow extension gradually, progress strength program, continue ROM as needed

Notes

NO active elbow extension until 6 weeks post-op; brace wean at 8 weeks; mirror of distal biceps protocol — extension protected rather than flexion

Surgeon / Author

Kevin Roth MD

Published

2024