What is a Distal Bicep Tendon Tear?
A distal biceps tendon tear, also known as a distal biceps rupture, occurs when the tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the radius bone in the forearm tears or detaches from its attachment point. This type of injury typically occurs near the elbow joint and can result from various causes, such as sudden trauma, overuse, or degeneration over time. Distal biceps tendon tears are more common in men and often affect the dominant arm.
Types of Distal Bicep Tendon Tears
- Partial Tears: In a partial tear, the tendon is damaged but not completely severed. It may still be partially attached to the bone.
- Complete Tears: In a complete tear, the tendon is fully severed from its attachment to the radius bone. This results in the biceps muscle no longer being able to effectively flex the elbow and supinate (rotate) the forearm.
Causes for Distal Bicep Tendon Tears
Common causes and risk factors for distal biceps tendon tears include:
- Sudden, forceful lifting or pulling, such as heavy weightlifting.
- A direct blow to the front of the elbow.
- Chronic overuse and repetitive stress on the tendon.
- Age-related degeneration of the tendon.
Symptoms of a Distal Bicep Tendon Tear
Symptoms of a distal biceps tendon tear may include:
- Sudden and severe pain at the front of the elbow.
- A "pop" or snapping sensation at the time of the injury.
- Weakness in elbow flexion and forearm supination.
- Swelling and bruising around the elbow.
- A visible deformity or a "Popeye" sign, where the biceps muscle bunches up in the upper arm due to the detached tendon.
Treatment for a Distal Bicep Tendon Tear
Treatment for distal biceps tendon tears can vary depending on the severity of the injury, the patient's age, activity level, and overall health. Common approaches to managing distal biceps tendon tears include:
- Non-Surgical Treatment: This may be considered for partial tears or in cases where surgery is not recommended. It involves rest, immobilization, and physical therapy to help improve strength and function.
- Surgical Repair: For complete tears or cases where nonsurgical treatments are not effective, surgical repair is often recommended. Surgery typically involves reattaching the torn tendon to the radius bone using sutures or anchors. The specific surgical technique may vary based on the patient and the surgeon's preference.
- Rehabilitation: After surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy are crucial for restoring elbow and forearm function. Patients will work on regaining strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
The timing of surgery and the choice of treatment approach should be discussed with an orthopedic surgeon, as the best course of action may depend on the individual patient and the specific characteristics of the injury. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon, or book an appointment online.