Demonstration of avulsion of the triceps tendon in an adolescent by magnetic resonance imaging

Avulsion of the triceps tendon is an uncommon injury typically occurring in skeletally mature individuals. Although the diagnosis can be suggested by the physical findings and initial radiographs, it may be missed, especially when severe swelling of the soft tissues prevents an accurate physical examination and the radiographs do not show a small fragment of bone accompanying the avulsed tendon. This report describes an avulsion of the triceps tendon in an adolescent boy. Magnetic resonance imaging was useful in confirming the diagnosis.