When the tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the elbow gets torn from the bone, it is referred to as Biceps Tendon Tear.

Biceps muscle is located in the front of the arm and enables bending of the elbow and twisting of the arm. The biceps muscle is attached to the bones of the shoulder on one end and elbow on the other by strong fibrous tissues referred to as tendons. The tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the elbow at the radius bone, near the elbow joint is known as Distal Biceps Tendon.

Biceps Tendon Tears are caused by a sudden injury. These injuries may be sustained by the elbow by being forced against resistance. It kind of happens when the weight on the arm is so much that it forces the arm to straighten which in turn increases pressure on the biceps thus resulting in the tendon being torn from the bone. Weightlifters are more prone to this condition.

The factors that increase the chances of sustaining a biceps tendon tear are-

• Men above 30 years of age
• Excessive smoking
• Excessive intake of corticosteroid medications

The signs that indicate biceps tendon tear are- Intense pain at the elbow which gradually subsides a little

• Swelling at the elbow
• Bruise marks in the forearm and elbow
• Weakness when the elbow is bent or forearm is twisted
• A gap can be felt at the front of the elbow because the tendon is amiss
• A bulge can be seen on the upper part of the arm because the biceps muscle shortens or recoils

The presence of tendon tear is ascertained by a physical examination under which the front of the elbow is examined for a gap in the tendon. Thereafter the patient’s forearm rotation strength is tested against resistance. Besides physical examination certain diagnostic tests which help to diagnose or conclusively confirm the presence of tendon tear are X-Ray, MRI or ultrasound.

It is essential to reattach the tendon to the bone surgically to regain functionality. In cases where the patient is suffering from some prior severe medical problem and surgery cannot be performed on his tendon or the patient is aged and can do without surgery, non-surgical techniques are worked upon and the patient is provided relief with medications, splint/brace and physical therapy. Surgery is taken up within 2 to 3 weeks after the tear as prolonging it would only increase possibility of complications and less chances of success. Though there are several ways to reattach the torn tendon to the forearm bone the technique to be used depends on the severity of the tear. Surgery may be carried out by making a large incision at the front of the elbow or small incisions at both the sides of the elbow i.e. the front and the back. The surgical technique performed may attach the tendon by making holes in the radius bone and then using stitches or attaching it to the bone by small metal implants called suture anchors.

Once the biceps tendon tears it never grows back on its own to the bone. The elbow is easily bendable even without functional biceps tendon with the help of other arm muscles but the forearm fails to rotate without it. Surgical repair of the biceps tendon tear is recommended because leaving it untreated may result in the arm losing part of its strength and mobility.

Complications that may occur after a surgical intervention in the Biceps tendon tear are rare and temporary. The forearm may experience trifle numbness or weakness which usually goes away. There is always a possibility that the tendon may get ruptured again after healing. Another complication to which the tendon surgery is prone maybe the development of a new bone at the region where the tendon is attached to the forearm bone resulting in reducing its twisting ability and requiring additional surgery to be repaired.

Rehabilitation is an important protocol after surgery. Patients are gradually taken to the path of complete recovery of motion with the help of strengthening exercises in the forearm, elbow and shoulder. Exercises of the biceps muscle are introduced after four to six weeks of surgery and gradually increased in terms of pressure and is carried on for a period of two to four months and also learn ways to avoid future recurrence of the problem. By the end of therapy almost all patients regain their strength and functional ability.

The patients have to be patient regarding their strength and mobility restoration. The elbow needs to be protected for a few days after surgery which requires using a protective sling or splint over the elbow. Biceps tendon takes over 3 months to heal therefore activities that might cause any harm are avoided during that period. Activities that fall under the category of being light weight are permissible soon after surgery but heavy and strenuous activities are not allowed for several months.

• Frozen Shoulder
•  Shoulder Dislocation / Shoulder Instability
•  Rotator Cuff Tears / Injuries
•  Scapula Fractures
•  Shoulder Replacement
•  Impingement Syndrome
•  Proximal Humeral Fractures
•  Clavicle Fractures
•  Loose Body Removal
•  Synovial Biopsy / Synovectomy
•  Slap Injury and Repair
•  AC Joint Injury
•  PASTA Lesion and Repair

• Elbow Arthroscopy
•  Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
•  Tennis Elbow
•  Radial Head Fractures
•  Elbow Stiffness
•  Elbow Fractures
•  Elbow Replacement
•  Olecranon Bursitis
•  Snapping Elbow (Plica)
•  Distal Biceps Tendon Tear
•  Triceps Tendon Tear

•  Wrist Replacement
•  Kienbock’s Disease
•  Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear
•  De Quevain’s Tenosynovitis
•  Wrist Injury

• Hand and Wrist Fractures
•  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
•  Basal Joint Thumb Arthritis
•  Distal Radius Fracture
•  Scaphoid Fractures
•  Radial Club Hand
•  Rheumatoid Arthritis
•  Metacarpal Fractures
•  Giant Cell Tumors (GCT) Tendon Sheath
•  Phalangeal Fractures
•  Congenital Trigger Thumb
•  Radial Nerve Injury
•  Median Nerve Injury
•  Extensor Tendon Injuries
•  Flexor Tendon Injuries
•  Ulnar Nerve Injuries
•  Nerve Injuries Finger
•  Mallet Finger
•  Thumb Extensor Tendon (EPL) Rupture
•  Dupuytren’s Contracture /Disease