Our Summary

This study looked at the different roles of the three parts (or “heads”) of the triceps muscle in the upper arm, depending on how high the shoulder is lifted. Ten healthy adults performed a series of elbow extension tasks at different shoulder heights, while the researchers measured muscle activity and force using a combination of motion tracking and surface electromyography (a technique that records muscle activity).

The results showed that when the shoulder is not elevated (0°), the long head of the triceps generates more force and activity than the other two heads. But once the shoulder is lifted to 90° and higher, it’s the medial head of the triceps that takes over and generates more force.

This information is useful for medical professionals and health trainers who need to understand the specific roles of the triceps during different movements, which can help in designing more effective exercise or rehabilitation programs.

FAQs

  1. What were the main findings of this study on the roles of the three parts of the triceps muscle?
  2. How does the activity of the triceps muscle heads change depending on the shoulder’s elevation?
  3. How can this research on the triceps muscle heads be applied in medical or fitness fields?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about elbow surgery is to follow their post-operative care instructions closely. This may include keeping the elbow elevated, performing prescribed exercises, and avoiding certain movements or activities that could hinder the healing process. It’s important to communicate any pain or discomfort to your doctor and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from elbow surgery include those with conditions such as:

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Elbow arthritis
  • Elbow fractures or dislocations
  • Tendon injuries or tears in the elbow

In some cases, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections may be tried first before considering surgery. However, if these treatments do not provide relief or if the condition is severe, surgery may be recommended to alleviate pain, improve function, and prevent further damage to the elbow joint.

Timeline

Before elbow surgery:

  1. Patient experiences pain, limited range of motion, and weakness in the elbow joint.
  2. Patient consults with a doctor, who recommends surgery as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to determine the best course of action.
  4. Surgery date is scheduled, and patient prepares for the procedure.

After elbow surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to repair the damaged elbow joint.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged to go home.
  3. Patient begins a rehabilitation program to strengthen the elbow joint and regain range of motion.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  5. Over time, patient experiences improved function and reduced pain in the elbow joint as the healing process continues.
  6. Patient gradually returns to normal activities and may require physical therapy to fully recover.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about elbow surgery include:

  1. What type of elbow surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process?
  4. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery?
  5. What are my options for pain management during and after the surgery?
  6. How long will I need to take off work or refrain from certain activities?
  7. What are the success rates and outcomes of this type of surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
  9. How will this surgery affect my ability to perform daily tasks and activities?
  10. What can I do to improve my chances of a successful outcome and faster recovery?

Reference

Authors: Kholinne E, Zulkarnain RF, Sun YC, Lim S, Chun JM, Jeon IH. Journal: Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2018 May;52(3):201-205. doi: 10.1016/j.aott.2018.02.005. Epub 2018 Mar 2. PMID: 29503079