Sudden Elbow Lock: What’s Hiding in the Triceps?

https://youtu.be/hojQlH8gJtc

✅ Calcific Tendinitis of the Triceps Brachii Tendon

 

1️⃣ Overview of Calcific Tendinitis

Calcific tendinitis, or calcific tendinopathy, is a condition caused by calcium hydroxyapatite deposition in tendons. While it most commonly affects the rotator cuff, it can occur in other locations such as the hip, knee, and elbow. The condition progresses through four stages (Uhthoff cycle):

1. Precalcific Stage: Asymptomatic phase with fibrocartilaginous metaplasia.
2. Calcific or Formative Stage: Symptoms range from none to pain on movement.
3. Resorptive Stage: Most symptomatic phase with intense pain due to calcium extravasation.
4. Postcalcific Stage: Variable symptoms with some restriction of movement.

 

 Common Sites of Calcific Tendinitis

• Rotator cuff (e.g., supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis)
• Hip
• Knee
• Elbow (e.g., triceps brachii tendon)

 

2️⃣Calcific Tendinitis of the Triceps Brachii Tendon

Calcific tendinitis of the triceps brachii tendon is a rare condition. It follows the same pathophysiological mechanisms as calcific tendinitis in other areas.

 

Clinical Presentation

• Acute pain in the posterior elbow.
• Swelling and tenderness near the triceps insertion.
• Restricted elbow joint mobility.
• Occasionally, systemic symptoms like fever.

 

Diagnostic Imaging

1. Plain Radiographs:
2. Ultrasound:
3. CT and MRI:

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