Tricep tendon surgery is typically performed to repair a full rupture of the triceps tendon, which connects the triceps muscle to the elbow bone. While the actual repair is a relatively quick surgical process, the overall timeline a patient experiences extends far beyond the operating room. Understanding the duration of the procedure, the total time spent at the facility, and the months-long recovery milestones provides a complete picture of the commitment required for successful healing.
The Surgical Procedure Duration
The time spent actively performing the tricep tendon repair is surprisingly short, often ranging from 30 to 90 minutes for a standard primary reattachment. The surgeon makes an incision on the back of the elbow, identifies the torn tendon, and securely reattaches it to the olecranon bone, typically using strong sutures anchored into the bone. This range reflects the complexity of the tear and the surgeon’s preferred technique for fixation.
The total time a patient is in the operating room environment is longer than the repair itself, as it includes the necessary steps for anesthesia administration. Many patients receive a combination of general anesthesia to be fully asleep and a nerve block to numb the arm for extended pain relief after the surgery. This preparation and the subsequent transition out of the operating room add to the overall time. Cases involving chronic tears, significant tissue loss, or the need for a tendon graft can push the surgical time closer to the upper end of the range or beyond.
Total Time at the Facility
The total duration a patient spends at the surgical center or hospital is considerably longer than the surgical time, encompassing all pre- and post-operative care. Pre-operative preparation begins with patient check-in, paperwork, and nurses preparing the surgical site and placing an intravenous (IV) line, typically taking between one and two hours. During this period, the patient also meets with the anesthesiologist and the surgeon to review the plan and answer any final questions.
Following the procedure, the patient is transferred to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for immediate recovery and monitoring. Nurses closely monitor vital signs, manage pain, and ensure the patient is safely waking up from the anesthesia and nerve block. This PACU phase typically lasts between one and three hours, depending on how quickly the patient stabilizes and pain is controlled. For most tricep tendon repairs, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, with the total facility time usually ranging from four to six hours.
Immediate Post-Operative Recovery Milestones
The full recovery process is divided into phases that prioritize protection of the repair, followed by a gradual and controlled return to strength and mobility. Adherence to physical therapy is the greatest predictor of a successful and timely return to full activity.
Phase 1 (0-2 Weeks): Immobilization
The initial phase immediately after surgery is focused on protecting the surgical site and managing swelling and pain. The arm is typically immobilized in a long-arm splint, cast, or hinged elbow brace locked at a slight bend for the first one to two weeks. The primary goals are wound care and keeping the elbow still to allow the tendon-to-bone connection to begin healing without tension. Stitches are usually removed at the first post-operative appointment, which occurs around 10 to 14 days after the procedure.
Phase 2 (2-6 Weeks): Early Mobility
Around the two-week mark, the patient transitions into a hinged elbow brace, and gentle, controlled physical therapy begins. The focus shifts to restoring passive range of motion (PROM) within protected limits, where the therapist or gravity moves the arm. Active extension, using the triceps muscle to straighten the arm, is strictly avoided during this period to prevent pulling the repair apart. The brace is often worn full-time, even while sleeping, to protect the healing tendon.
Phase 3 (6-12 Weeks): Strengthening & Functional Return
By six weeks, the tendon has achieved sufficient initial healing, and the protective restrictions are lessened. The hinged brace is often removed, and the patient begins light, repetitive resistance training. Driving is often permitted once the brace is fully off and the patient is no longer taking narcotic pain medication. Light daily activities are resumed, but the restriction on lifting objects heavier than five pounds remains in place until the end of this phase.
Phase 4 (3-6 Months): Full Recovery
The final phase involves a gradual return to higher-demand activities, including heavy lifting, manual labor, and sports. Full recovery is generally expected between four and six months after the surgery. This timeline can be extended up to nine months for complex tears or for individuals who require maximal strength for their occupation or sport.