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

BACKGROUND: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.