Tendon of the Triceps, Posterior View

Description

Running along the posterior aspect of the upper arm, the triceps brachii converges distally into a broad tendon that narrows as it approaches the elbow. The long head descends medial and posterior to the humerus from the infraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, while the lateral head sits more lateral and superficial, framing the tendon as it crosses the posterior elbow. Distally, the tendon inserts onto the olecranon process of the ulna, lying superficial to the posterior joint capsule and immediately proximal to the subcutaneous olecranon bursa. Fiber direction and striations clarify the line of pull for elbow extension. Posterior visualization of the triceps tendon matters because it is the primary extensor mechanism of the elbow and a frequent site of injury at its olecranon enthesis. Complete or partial triceps tendon rupture, sometimes after a fall on an outstretched hand or during heavy eccentric loading, can be correlated with an osseous fleck off the olecranon on lateral radiographs and with loss of active extension against resistance. During posterior elbow approaches for olecranon fracture fixation or total elbow arthroplasty exposure, the relationship of the tendon to the olecranon, the bursa, and the medial course of the ulnar nerve sets the surgical corridor and informs soft tissue handling. Orthopaedic and sports medicine educators will find this posterior perspective useful when teaching extensor anatomy, mechanism of triceps tendinopathy, and the exam findings that distinguish tendon rupture from isolated olecranon bursitis. It also suits atlas plates, rehabilitation manuals, and patient education materials explaining why triceps strengthening loads the tendon at the olecranon. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.