Dr Puah Ken Lee 潘健理
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Shoulder, Elbow & Sports Injuries
Practising at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore
Appointments by prior arrangement
Dr Puah Ken Lee 潘健理
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Shoulder, Elbow & Sports Injuries
Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore
✔ Subspecialty Focus in Shoulder & Elbow, Sports Injuries
✔ Practising at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital
✔ Evidence-based treatment, Individualised Care
Introduction
A distal triceps tear is an uncommon but significant injury affecting the tendon at the back of the elbow. It typically occurs during high-force activities such as weight training or contact sports.
As an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries, Dr Puah provides expert diagnosis and treatment of distal triceps injuries, with a focus on restoring strength and function.
What is a Distal Triceps Tear?
The triceps muscle attaches to the olecranon (tip of the elbow) via the distal triceps tendon. A tear occurs when this tendon is partially or completely disrupted.
How Does It Happen?
Common mechanisms include:
- Heavy weightlifting (e.g. bench press, dips)
- Sudden forceful contraction of the triceps
- Falls onto an outstretched hand
- Direct trauma to the elbow
Patients may feel a sudden “pop” or tearing sensation.
Symptoms
- Pain at the back of the elbow
- Swelling and bruising
- Weakness in elbow extension (straightening the arm)
- Difficulty pushing or supporting body weight
- Palpable gap above the elbow in complete tears
Why Early Diagnosis is Important
Early assessment is important because:
- Complete tears often require surgical repair
- Delayed cases may lead to tendon retraction
- Late reconstruction is more complex and may not fully restore strength
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on:
- Clinical examination
- Imaging such as MRI or ultrasound to confirm the tear
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment
Partial tears may be managed conservatively with:
- Immobilisation
- Physiotherapy
- Gradual return to activity
However, some loss of strength may persist.
Surgical Repair
Surgical repair is generally recommended for:
- Complete tears
- Active individuals
- Patients requiring full strength for work or sports
The procedure involves reattaching the tendon to the bone using suture anchors or other fixation techniques.
Advanced Techniques: Endoscopic / Arthroscopic Distal Triceps Repair
In selected cases, minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic or arthroscopic-assisted distal triceps repair may be used.
These approaches involve smaller incisions and the use of a camera to assist with visualisation of the tendon and surrounding structures. Potential advantages may include:
- Less soft tissue disruption
- Improved visualisation in specific cases
- Smaller surgical scars
However, not all distal triceps tears are suitable for minimally invasive techniques. The choice of surgical approach depends on:
- The extent and location of the tear
- Tendon quality
- Degree of retraction
- Patient-specific factors
Dr Puah Ken Lee is experienced in both open and minimally invasive techniques, and will recommend the most appropriate approach based on the individual condition.
Recovery After Surgery
- Initial immobilisation in a splint or brace
- Gradual range of motion exercises
- Progressive strengthening programme
- Return to sports over several months
Outcomes
With appropriate treatment, most patients can expect:
- Good restoration of strength
- Improved function
- Return to gym or sports activities
If you experience a sudden injury at the back of your elbow or difficulty straightening your arm, early assessment is important.
Book a consultation or contact the clinic for evaluation and treatment.
Distal triceps repair is commonly performed by an elbow specialist.
Why Choose Dr Puah Ken Lee
- Specialist in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries
- Fellowship-trained in advanced arthroscopic techniques
- Focus on evidence-based, patient-specific treatment
- Practising at Mount Elizabeth Novena
Dr Puah is regularly invited to teach elbow surgery internationally
Book a Consultation
Book a consultation or contact the clinic via WhatsApp to discuss your elbow condition.
Book a consultation at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena
Elbow conditions are common but treatable. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can improve outcomes and prevent long-term problems.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena. Patients with persistent elbow symptoms are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.