Triceps tendon tears are less common than biceps tears, and often incomplete. However, traumatic ruptures of the entire tendon do occur, and ideally require repair within 3 weeks--before retraction prevents primary repair. Operative techniques do allow for repair, but when retraction prevents bringing the triceps tendon back to the olecranon process, allograft tendon may be required to bridge the gap.
Newer techniques provide a stronger, more anatomic repair and utilize "double row" fixation techniques that are commonly used to fix rotator cuff tears.
This allows a more expedited postoperative motion program, because of the stronger repair, but brace wear is needed to limit flexion for the first 4-6 weeks, and strengthening begins at 8-10 weeks. return to normal activity is allowed at 4 months.
I have attached articles below that review the treatment of distal triceps rupture, and assess the biomechanical strength of the various techniques.
