Anatomic evaluation of the triceps tendon insertion at the proximal olecranon regarding placement of fracture fixation devices

PURPOSE: Olecranon fractures, especially with a small proximal fragment, remain a surgical challenge. Soft tissue irritation and affection of the triceps muscle bear a risk of complications. In order to find an area for a soft-tissue sparing placement of implants in the treatment of olecranon fractures, we aimed to define and measure the segments of the proximal olecranon and evaluate them regarding possible plate placement. METHODS: We investigated 82 elbow joints. Ethical approval was obtained from the local ethics committee, After positioning in an arm holder and a posterior approach we described the morphology of the triceps footprint, evaluated and measured the surface area of the triceps and posterior capsule and correlated the results to easily measurable anatomical landmarks. RESULTS: We found a bipartite insertional footprint with a superficial tendinous triceps insertion of 218.2 mm(2) (± 41.2, range 124.7–343.2), a capsular insertion of 159.3 mm(2) (± 30.2, range 99.0–232.1) and a deep, muscular triceps insertion area of 138.1 mm(2) (± 30.2, range 79.9–227.5). Olecranon height was 26.7 mm (± 2.3, range 20.5–32.2), and olecranon width was 25.3 mm (± 2.4, range 20.9–30.4). Average correlation between the size of the deep insertion and ulnar (r = 0.314) and radial length (r = 0.298) was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the bipartite morphology of the distal triceps footprint and that the deep muscular triceps insertion area by its measured size could be a possible site for the placement of fracture fixations devices. The size correlates with ulnar and radial length. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00276-022-02921-y.