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# Triceps bursa

The triceps bursa is a small fluid sac deep under the triceps tendon at the elbow; it reduces friction between the tendon and the bone.

Official name: Subtendinous bursa of triceps

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## What it is

A small sac between the triceps tendon and the elbow.

## What it does

Reduces friction under the triceps tendon.

## Key points

- A deep bursa between the triceps tendon and the olecranon, separate from the subcutaneous olecranon bursa
- It can be inflamed with triceps tendinopathy in throwers and weightlifters, giving deep posterior elbow pain on resisted extension

## Key facts

**Where**
Between the triceps tendon and the olecranon (subtendinous)

**Function**
Lets the tendon glide over the bone

## Relations

**Superficial**
[Triceps tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/triceps-tendon/), then the [olecranon bursa](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/olecranon-bursa/) and [skin](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/skin/)

**Deep**
Upper surface of the olecranon and the posterior [elbow capsule](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/elbow-joint-capsule/)

## How to find it

It lies deep to the triceps tendon just above its attachment on the olecranon. With the elbow bent, tenderness here, deeper than the skin bursa, points to it or to the tendon.

## On imaging

Ultrasound or MRI separates fluid deep to the triceps tendon from olecranon bursitis, and checks the tendon for a tear.

## Clinical notes

- Triceps tendon rupture is rare (fall on the outstretched hand, anabolic steroid use, [kidney](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/kidney/) disease); a small fleck of olecranon on the lateral X-ray is a clue
- Deep, less fluctuant swelling with pain on resisted extension separates it from superficial olecranon bursitis

## Related conditions

- [Olecranon bursitis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/olecranon-bursitis/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Where is the triceps bursa?

Deep, between the triceps tendon and the olecranon; separate from the subcutaneous olecranon bursa.

## In whom is the triceps bursa typically inflamed, and how does it present?

Throwers and weightlifters with triceps tendinopathy; deep posterior elbow pain on resisted extension.

## How is triceps bursitis told apart from superficial olecranon bursitis?

Deep, less fluctuant swelling with pain on resisted extension.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
bursa subtendinea musculi tricipitis brachii TA2 2566

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Bolsa subtendinosa del músculo tríceps braquial

**English (TA2)**
Subtendinous bursa of triceps

## Related

- [Triceps tendon](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/triceps-tendon/)
- [Humerus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/humerus/)
- [Ulna](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ulna/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Elbow Joint](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532948/).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/subtendinous-bursa-of-triceps/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/subtendinous-bursa-of-triceps/