Late presentation of triceps rupture. A case report and review of the literature.

Rupture of the triceps tendon is a rare injury. The treatment protocol for acute injuries is well described and predictably successful. However, if the diagnosis is missed, the surgeon is presented with a more difficult management problem. We report the case of a 19-year-old woman who presented 8 months following a triceps tendon rupture. The diagnosis and technique for repair and postoperative rehabilitation are described. A review of the literature is also presented. Although our patient regained excellent motion and function, we feel the injury is best managed by avoiding misdiagnosis via a high index of suspicion and a careful examination at the time of injury.