# Traumatic Triceps and Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Rupture in an Adolescent Mogul Skier: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A rare case of triceps and ligament rupture in a young skier highlights the need for safety in high-velocity sports.

## Contribution

This case report presents a rare injury combination in an adolescent athlete due to a non-contact, high-velocity mechanism.

## Key findings

- MRI confirmed acute full-thickness avulsion of the distal triceps tendon at the olecranon enthesis.
- The patient successfully returned to elite-level competition six months after open tendon repair.
- The case highlights the need for safety protocols in trampoline-based sports training for adolescents.

## Abstract

Triceps tendon ruptures are uncommon injuries that account for less than 1% of all upper extremity tendon injuries. Medial ulnar collateral ligament injury (mUCL), while common in overhead athletes as a result of valgus forces during the throwing mechanics, has scarcely been reported in non-overhead, throwing individuals. Traumatic assault to the elbow may result in the rupture of the triceps tendon with concomitant mUCL injury. As such an injury pattern typically presents in middle-aged males, weightlifters, or American football players from eccentric overloading of the elbow. We present an adolescent, elite-level, competitive skier with traumatic onset distal triceps rupture with concomitant medial ulnar collateral ligament rupture suffered via a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH) mechanism. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed acute full-thickness avulsion of the distal triceps tendon occurring at the olecranon enthesis. An open tendon repair was performed, and the patient was able to report significant symptom resolution over the course of six months postoperatively and successfully return to elite-level competition. This was a unique and rare case of triceps tendon rupture with concomitant mUCL injury in an adolescent via a non-contact, high-velocity injury mechanism. While a rare injury combination, this case nevertheless identifies an area of research not currently extensively covered-trampoline training and associated injuries in adolescents. This case, therefore, not only adds a novel dimension to the understanding of triceps and mUCL injuries in young athletes but also underscores the need for heightened awareness and specific safety protocols in sports training involving equipment like trampolines.