If the injury is in the front of the elbow it is probably the biceps rather than the triceps, if its in the back, it could be the triceps. I would recommend getting the MRI if you are concerned, the ideal time to fix a tendon injury is at about 2 weeks, and certainly no longer than 6 weeks. Therefore it is important to find a diplomatic way to approach your friend the orthopedist and get your MRI done.
Well I went back a third time to my Orthopedist because my arm is just not getting better, eventually he sent me for an MRI, I thought I would tell you the findings and what my Dr's response was.
"The primary pathology appears to be a fracture of the coronoid process of the olecranon with extension into the joint space and a significant joint effusion. There is oedema at the level of the insertion of the brachialis tendon into the coranoid process. No other significant abnormality is noted"
My Dr phoned me and said "well you were not imagining it" and then told me what the report said and told me to rest it for a couple of weeks and then come back and see him and i may need another xray and that he would not give me a cortisone injection. As you can imagine I am not too happy with this and wondered what you would do as an Orthopedic surgeon.
Oh and my hubby just said to me, its just a small crack fracture, nothing to worry about and he didn't even see the MRI. I feel like crying I am so fed up with everyones response towards me. Sorry to bother you again.
Sue
Thank you for your reply. I did infact go back to my orthopedist and he sent me back for another xray, which only showed blood in and around the joint. He did not suggest an MRI and said that he could give me a cortisone injection into the joint.
I wasn't too keen on that, so I will go for physio again and take some anti inflammatories.
I still can't hold my arm out to the side with my hand in pronation and cannot tighten the tricep muscle at the back if i put my arm out to the side.
Thanks again for replying
Sue
Sue