Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

What is a distal biceps tendon tear?

The biceps muscle is responsible for outward rotation and flexion of the forearm at the elbow. This muscle originates at the top of the shoulder and travels along the anterior (front) portion of the upper arm to the radial tuberosity, a bony prominence on the radius (thumb side forearm bone), where it is anchored by the distal biceps tendon. A distal biceps tear occurs when this tendon becomes partially or completely separated from its attachment site on the radial tuberosity. Although rare, a distal biceps tear necessitates immediate surgical intervention to reattach the tendon to the correct anatomical site. The individuals with the highest likelihood of sustaining a distal biceps tear are weightlifters and those who lift heavy objects as part of their work duties.

What is the treatment for a distal biceps tendon tear?

Patients with mild partial tears of the distal biceps tendon may consider initial treatment with non-surgical therapies. These can include rest, ice, elbow joint immobilization, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Surgical repair is the best treatment for this type of injury, however, so immediate medical attention by an orthopedic doctor with extensive knowledge in treating distal biceps tears is strongly advised. The surgical repair of a distal biceps tear involves fixing the damaged tendon back to its anatomic attachment site on the radial tuberosity. The goal of a distal biceps repair is to restore function and strength to the biceps muscle. Dr. Joseph D. Lamplot, orthopedic elbow doctor, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who have experienced a distal biceps tear and are in need of surgical repair.

How is a distal biceps tendon repair performed?

Dr. Lamplot typically performs a distal biceps tendon repair as an outpatient procedure using a minimally invasive technique. A small incision on the front of the forearm is made overlying the radial tuberosity.  Damaged tendon tissue is removed, and the remaining healthy tendon tissue is then repaired back to the radial tuberosity with special surgical anchors that are secured within the bone.

Occasionally, patients may experience tendon retraction if a significant amount of time passes between the distal biceps tear and surgical intervention. This tendon shortening is often accompanied by scar tissue that makes for a difficult surgical repair. For these particular cases, Dr. Lamplot may utilize a tendon graft from either the patient (autograft) or a donor (allograft) into the native biceps muscle which is then anchored to the radial tuberosity.

What is the recovery period like after a distal biceps tendon repair?

The majority of patients can expect a full recovery with a return to their normal daily activities by approximately 4-5 months, with a full return to all activities including heavy manual labor and sports by 6 months. Compliance with the post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Lamplot is essential in order to have the best outcome possible following. Patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL can anticipate:

• Immobilization: A splint (similar to a cast) and sling is applied immediately after surgery to immobilize the elbow. Two weeks following surgery, the splint is removed and a hinged elbow brace applied for four additional weeks in order to protect the tendon during the healing process.
• Pain Management: A combination of rest and ice can alleviate any post-operative pain and inflammation. Dr. Lamplot does prescribe stronger pain medication, to be taken as needed, for any breakthrough pain.
• Physical Rehabilitation: Range of motion exercises begin two weeks after surgery under the direction of a physical therapist. Strengthening exercises typically begin 6 weeks after surgery under the direction of a physical therapist. Active participation and completion of the individualized physical therapy program is the key to a successful recovery following a distal biceps repair.

Distal Biceps Tear Surgeon