When the tendon that connects your triceps muscle to your elbow tears, everyday movements like pushing a door open or straightening your arm become difficult. Distal triceps repair is a surgical procedure that reattaches this torn tendon to the bone, restoring strength and function to the elbow.
Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine from the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. He performs this procedure for patients throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. His clinical focus supports a treatment approach informed by his specialized surgical experience.
Distal Triceps Repair Overview And Benefits
A distal triceps rupture typically happens when the tendon pulls away from its attachment point on the ulna bone at the back of the elbow. This injury often affects middle-aged men during heavy lifting or activities that place sudden force on the arm. Without surgical repair, the tendon cannot heal itself properly, leading to lasting weakness when extending the elbow.
The primary benefit of distal triceps repair is restored elbow extension strength. You regain the ability to push, lift, and stabilize your arm during daily tasks and physical activities. The procedure also helps prevent long-term functional deficits that can affect your quality of life.
Surgical Techniques For Distal Triceps Repair
Surgeons use two main approaches for distal triceps repair: open surgery and arthroscopic techniques. The open approach uses a single incision at the back of the elbow to directly access the torn tendon. The surgeon then uses strong sutures or bone anchors to secure the tendon back to its original attachment site.
Arthroscopic repair uses smaller incisions and a camera to guide the procedure. This minimally invasive method may reduce soft tissue disruption.
Dr. Jazayeri applies minimally invasive techniques throughout his practice when appropriate. The choice between open and arthroscopic repair depends on the tear pattern, tendon quality, and how much time has passed since the injury.
Recovery Timeline After Distal Triceps Surgery
Recovery from distal triceps repair follows a structured timeline spanning several months. After surgery, your elbow is placed in a brace to protect the repair. You typically wear this brace for the first few weeks while the tendon begins to heal.
Around week two, you may start gentle passive motion under guidance. By six to eight weeks, many patients transition out of the brace and begin active range of motion exercises. Strengthening work usually starts around three months post-surgery.
Full recovery, including return to heavy lifting or sports, often takes up to six months. Each phase builds on the last, and moving too quickly can compromise the repair.
Rehabilitation Protocols Following Triceps Repair
Rehabilitation after distal triceps repair is just as important as the surgery itself. A well-designed protocol protects the healing tendon while gradually restoring motion and strength. Early rehab focuses on controlling swelling and maintaining range of motion in the shoulder and wrist.
As healing progresses, you add light resistance exercises for the triceps. Later phases include progressive strengthening and functional training specific to your goals. Dr. Jazayeri builds prehabilitation and structured recovery protocols into his patient preparation.
He also offers a digital rehab partnership through myHealthTrack, giving you remote support during recovery. Following your prescribed protocol closely supports the healing process and recovery progression.
Factors Influencing Surgical Decisions
Several factors shape the decision to proceed with distal triceps repair and which technique to use. The extent of the tendon tear matters. Partial tears may respond to non-surgical care, while complete ruptures typically need surgery.
Your activity level and functional demands also play a role. A younger, active person who needs full elbow strength for work or sports may benefit more from surgery than someone with lower physical demands. The timing of the repair is another consideration.
Chronic tears that go untreated for weeks or months can involve tendon retraction and scarring, making the surgery more complex. Dr. Jazayeri explores non-surgical options first across all conditions, reserving surgery for cases where it offers clear benefit.
Role Of Dr. Jazayeri In Triceps Repair
Dr. Reza Jazayeri brings over 15 years of experience treating athletes, active adults, and combat sports practitioners to every distal triceps repair he performs. His sports medicine fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles provided advanced training in elbow surgery and the management of complex tendon injuries. He is double board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine.
His practice includes detailed procedure pages for shoulder, knee, elbow, hamstring, and PRP treatments, reflecting his commitment to patient education. Dr. Jazayeri also incorporates nutritional and metabolic optimization into his surgical protocols, including preoperative lab testing and targeted supplementation. This approach is informed by his peer-reviewed research.
Patient Resources For Distal Triceps Repair
Grasp your procedure and recovery path helps you feel more prepared and confident. Dr. Jazayeri provides detailed pre-op and post-op instruction pages for patients undergoing distal triceps repair. His website includes a recovery optimization page covering sleep, rehabilitation, and nutrition.
You can also read clinically authored blog content on topics related to elbow surgery and recovery. For patients in Los Angeles and beyond, virtual consultations are available across California.
These resources give you access to clear, practical information before and after your procedure. The practice serves patients from Beverly Hills and surrounding communities, with convenient access to care in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Distal triceps repair surgery is a procedure to fix a torn tendon that connects the triceps muscle to the elbow. This surgery helps restore strength and function, allowing you to perform everyday activities more easily.
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The main benefit of distal triceps repair is improved strength in elbow extension. This means you can push, lift, and stabilize your arm better, which is important for daily tasks and physical activities.
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Recovery from distal triceps repair usually takes several months. Initially, your elbow will be in a brace for protection, and you will gradually start physical therapy to regain motion and strength.
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Full recovery can take up to six months. This timeline includes phases of rehabilitation that build on each other, so it’s important to follow your recovery plan closely.
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Dr. Reza Jazayeri, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs the surgery. He has over 15 years of experience in treating elbow injuries, ensuring you receive skilled care throughout the process.
Why Choose Us For Distal Triceps Repair
Choosing the right surgeon for your distal triceps repair is crucial. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He has advanced training in elbow care from his fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, ensuring you receive experienced care.
We focus on personalized treatment plans. Dr. Jazayeri believes in exploring non-surgical options first.
If surgery is needed, he uses minimally invasive techniques to potentially reduce soft tissue disruption, depending on the case. Our structured rehabilitation protocols are designed to restore your strength and function effectively.
Meet Dr. Reza Jazayeri
Dr. Reza Jazayeri specializes in sports medicine with expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. A Southern California native, Dr. Jazayeri combines an engineering background with elite surgical training, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the nationally ranked NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.
After more than 15 years caring for patients within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Jazayeri joined DOCS Health to expand a practice focused on personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care and surgical excellence. As Director of Longevity at DOCS Health, he leads the development and implementation of optimization protocols and regenerative medicine strategies designed to improve long-term musculoskeletal health and extend healthspan.
His published work includes a 2026 coauthored review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View Dr. Jazayeri’s research publications and training.
Dr. Jazayeri did my shoulder replacement after many other surgeons said it was too damaged too difficult to reconstruct. I was deeply grateful for him taking on my surgery. I am now three months after complex shoulder operation. I have very little pain and have near full range of motion. Can’t thank him enough for all that he did as well as having fantastic bedside manners.
Schedule Your Consultation For Distal Triceps Repair
If a triceps tendon rupture is limiting your arm function, learning about your options for distal triceps repair is a practical next step. His double board certification and sports medicine fellowship training at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic provide deep clinical experience in elbow surgery.
Virtual consultations are available for patients across California. Contact the practice today to schedule your evaluation and discuss whether distal triceps repair is right for you.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
