Triceps Repair

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE

Key Restrictions

No lifting/pushing/pulling; no resistance strengthening through ROM until 8 weeks; hinged EO LIMITING FLEXION (not extension): wk 2=45°, wk 3=60°, wk 4=90°, wk 6=120° worn full time including sleep

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-2 wks): long arm/elbow splint; Phase 2 (2-6 wks): hinged EO limiting elbow flexion progressively, wrist/forearm AROM, isometric elbow flexion, gravity-assisted elbow extension; Phase 3 (6-12 wks): wean hinged EO (6-8 weeks), submax isometric elbow extension at 30/60/90/120° from wk 6, progressive resistance from wk 8, triceps flexibility, radial nerve glides, scapular stabilization

Notes

Key distinction: hinged EO limits FLEXION (opposite of distal biceps repair which limits extension); flexion limits: wk2=45°, wk3=60°, wk4=90°, wk6=120°; in 10° increments increase by 10°/5 days; reference: Kocialkowski et al. 2018

Published

09/2024