Distal Biceps Tear

What is a distal biceps tear?

The biceps is a muscle that travels along the anterior (front) portion of the upper arm. The upper portion of the biceps muscle originates at the top of the shoulder. The lower portion of the biceps muscle is anchored by the distal biceps tendon on the radial tuberosity, a bony prominence found just past the elbow on the forearm. This muscle is important for elbow flexion as well as rotation of the forearm and wrist. A distal biceps tear is the result of the lower portion of the biceps tendon separating from its attachment site on the radial tuberosity. Individuals that lift heavy objects as part of their work duties or those that participate in weightlifting or highly physical sports activities are the highest at risk of sustaining a distal biceps tear. Although a relatively rare injury, a distal biceps tear requires immediate surgical intervention to fix the tendon back to its original attachment site on the radial tuberosity. Dr. Joseph D. Lamplot, orthopedic elbow specialist serving patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, has the knowledge and understanding, as well as substantial experience in treating patients who have experienced a distal biceps tear.

What are the symptoms of a distal biceps tear?

It is important to seek immediate attention from a medical professional if a distal biceps tear is suspected. The most frequently reported symptom of a distal biceps tear is a sudden and sharp elbow pain that typically occurs after lifting a heavy object. Some other common complaints of a distal biceps tear include:

Hearing or feeling a “pop” in the elbow with lifting a heavy object
Difficulty with forearm rotation
Elbow weakness
“Popeye muscle”: An obvious bulge-like deformity may be observed along the anterior (front) portion of the upper arm. This is due to the tendon tearing and no longer pulling the biceps muscle taut.

How is a distal biceps tear diagnosed?

Dr. Lamplot can confirm a distal biceps tear after gathering a comprehensive medical history and performing a thorough physical examination of the affected elbow. Evaluating any precipitating injury, underlying health conditions, and current symptoms with areas of pain and tenderness and/or obvious visual deformities of the upper arm can help Dr. Lamplot to determine the type and location of a distal biceps tear. Diagnostic imaging studies, such as x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be requested to analyze the surrounding elbow structures for any damage and for surgical planning purposes.

What is the treatment for a distal biceps tear?

Non-surgical treatment:

Patients with a partial tear of the distal biceps tendon may respond well to non-surgical therapies. Some non-surgical treatment options include rest, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and physical therapy. It is important to note that non-surgical treatment of a distal biceps tear can result in permanent loss of strength, muscular cramping, and cosmetic deformity; so, consulting an orthopedic specialist with experience in treating distal biceps tears can be helpful in this decision-making process.

Surgical treatment:

If a distal biceps tear is confirmed, immediate surgical attention is necessary to prevent scar tissue formation and retraction of the torn tendon. During a distal biceps tendon repair, Dr. Lamplot will reattach the distal biceps tendon by fixing the torn tendon with special surgical anchors that are secured within the bone through a small incision on the front of the forearm. Following surgery, most patients return to normal daily activities within 4-5 months and heavy labor or sporting activity in 6 months postoperatively.