Redirection Using Double Pulley Technique for Snapping Triceps Tendon: A Case Report and Technique Note

Abstract

Background: Snapping triceps tendon is an increasingly recognized clinical entity, which is associated with a variety of pathologic factors. The causative factors include inherited structural or developmental variations, post-traumatic malalignment, and other reasons. The main complaint of patients with snapping lateral triceps are the snapping sensation, mild muscle weakness of elbow extension, with or without tenderness in distal triceps tendon. Many treatment options have been reported previously, including tendon resection and redirection. Case presentation: We present the case of a 19-year-old boy with post-traumatic distal lateral head of triceps tendon dislocation who complained of extension weakness and snapping sensation in his left elbow. Then, we used two-strand-overhand locking (TSOL) knot combined with double pulley technique to redirect the snapping triceps tendon. Conclusion: The patient recovered well after the operation without complaining of discomfort. This fixing and redirection tendon technique, described previously for repairing rotator cuff tears, may be applied in a similar fashion for the snapping triceps tendon with promising clinical results.