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A member asked:
Went to urgent care, dr rec x ray of elbow & said it looks fine. dx = strained tricep tendon. recd sling/ice/meds/rest. how do i know its not torn?
6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Triceps tendon: Firstly an X-Ray will not tell you this. You either need an Ultrasound or an MRI to determine a tear.
Answered 4/1/2019
198 views
Docs judgement: In any sprain/strain there is expected to be broken/torn muscle fibers. A significant tear of the triceps would be obvious on exam, as the remaining muscle body pieces contract toward their attachments. More elaborate imaging could document this if you must have it. However, such a study is pricey, would likely never be approved by insurance & would come out of your own pocket.
Answered 4/1/2019
197 views
Need better imaging: I would follow the advice of the urgent care MD. If you are not feeling better in a week or so then consider seeing orthopedic specialist. A tear can only be seen with MRI or ultrasound
Answered 4/1/2019
197 views
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