Triceps Aponeurosis

aponeurosis m. tricipitis brachii

The triceps muscle belly transitions to a broad aponeurosis in the distal half of the posterior arm, with the three heads converging into this flat tendinous sheet before forming the common triceps tendon. The aponeurosis provides a large surface area for force transmission.

Region: Upper Arm

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The triceps aponeurosis is disrupted in partial triceps tears, producing posterior arm pain with resisted extension without the complete functional loss of full tendon rupture. MRI identifies signal change within the aponeurosis before frank tendon tear. Athletes with chronic posterior elbow pain should have the triceps aponeurosis specifically assessed by posterior ultrasound.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Triceps Aponeurosis Partial Tear

Aponeurotic disruption producing posterior arm pain with resisted elbow extension and focal tenderness along the posterior arm, identified by MRI signal change and managed by relative rest and progressive loading.