Distal Biceps Injury
The biceps muscle is the large muscle in the front of your arm that help to flex your elbow and rotate your forearm. The distal biceps tendon is the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to your forearm. This tendon is a common source of pain and injury. In most cases, pain in the distal biceps tendon is related to overuse and tendonitis. At times, however; the tendon may tear either partially or completely. When this occurs, many patients will feel a pop and noticed immediate pain and then at times developed some deformity to the biceps muscle and swelling and bruising about the inside of the elbow.
Causes and risk factors
Repetitive lifting/forearm rotation
Overuse from work/sports
Traumatic injury from the elbow forcefully extending against weight
Most common in men, aged 30 - 60
Symptoms
Pain, swelling, tenderness in the anterior forearm/elbow
Weakness/pain with elbow flexion and/or forearm rotation
In acute injuries, patient will often hear/feel a “pop” and develop significant bruising in along the elbow and forearm
Diagnosis and treatment
In many cases the diagnosis is based on your history, symptoms and exam. If there is concern for a tear of the biceps, then an MRI or Ultrasound of the elbow will often be ordered. Treatment depends on the extent of injury to the distal biceps tendon. Tendonitis and partial tears are generally treated non surgically.
Nonsurgical treatment include rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and physical therapy. Activity modification is key, including avoiding aggravating activities. Most patients with tendonitis and/or partial tearing of the biceps can expect recovery and return to activity with non-surgical treatment.
A complete tear of your distal biceps tendon can be treated either surgically or non surgically. Dr. Holt will discuss the diagnosis, treatment options and relative advantages and disadvantages of both treatment options. With non surgical treatment, most experience some loss of strength but overall good function. Surgical treatment can maximize strength and function and entails reinserting the torn tendon to its normal attachment on one of your forearm bones. Care should be optimize for the individual patient and their specific goals. When treated surgically, biceps tendon repair is best done relatively soon after the injury so it is important to obtain early evaluation if you were concerned about a possible biceps tendon tear.
Distal Biceps Tendon Repair Surgery Information/Post Operative Instructions
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