Biceps Tendon Rupture

The biceps muscle is present on the front side of your upper arm and functions to help you bend and rotate your arm.

The biceps tendon is a tough band of connective fibrous tissue that attaches your biceps muscle to the bones in your shoulder on one side and the elbow on the other side.

Overuse and injury leads to fraying of the biceps tendon and eventual rupture.

A Biceps tendon rupture can either be

Partial, where it does not completely tear the tendon, or complete, where the biceps tendon completely splits in two and is torn away from the bone.

The Biceps tendon can tear at the shoulder joint or elbow joint.  The majority of biceps tendon ruptures occur at the shoulder and is referred to as proximal biceps tendon rupture.  When it occurs at the elbow it is referred to as a distal biceps tendon rupture, however this is much less common.

Causes.

Biceps tendon ruptures occur most commonly from an injury, such as a fall on an outstretched arm, or from overuse of the muscle, either due to age or from repetitive overhead movements such as with tennis and swimming.

Biceps tendon ruptures are common in people over 60 who have developed chronic micro tears from degenerative changes and overuse. These micro tears weaken the tendon making it more susceptible to rupturing.

Other causes can include frequent lifting of heavy objects while at work, weightlifting, long term use of corticosteroid medications and smoking.

Symptoms.

The most common symptoms of a biceps tendon rupture include:

Sudden, sharp pain in the upper arm

Audible popping sound at the time of injury

Pain, tenderness and weakness at the shoulder or elbow

Trouble turning the arm palm up or down

Bulge above the elbow (Popeye sign)

Bruising to the upper arm

Diagnosis.

Your doctor diagnoses a biceps tendon rupture after observing your symptoms and taking a medical history. A physical exam is performed where your arm may be moved in different positions in order to see which movements elicit pain or weakness. Imaging studies such as X-rays may be ordered to assess for bone deformities such as bone spurs, which may have caused the tear or an MRI scan to determine if the tear is partial or complete.

Treatment.

Nonsurgical Treatment: Nonsurgical treatment is an option for patients whose injury is limited to the top of the biceps tendon.

Nonsurgical treatment includes:

Rest: A sling is used to rest the shoulder and you are advised to avoid overhead activities and heavy lifting until healed.

Ice: Applying ice packs for 20 minutes at a time, 3 to 4 times a day, helps reduce swelling.

Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications NSAIDs help reduce pain and swelling.

Physical therapy: Strengthening and flexibility exercises help restore strength and mobility to the shoulder joint.

Surgical Treatment.

Surgery may be necessary for patients whose symptoms are not relieved by conservative measures and for patients who require full restoration of strength, such as athletes.

Your surgeon makes an incision either near your elbow or shoulder, depending on which end of the tendon is torn. The torn end of the tendon is cleaned and the bone is prepared by creating drill holes. Sutures are woven through the holes and the tendon to secure it back to the bone and hold it in place. The incision is then closed and a dressing applied.

Risks and Complications.

As with any surgery, complications can occur related to the anesthesia or the procedure.  The majority of patients suffer no complications following biceps tendon repair, however, complications can occur and may include:

Infection

Nerve damage

Re-rupture of the tendon

Biceps tendon rupture is a condition where the biceps tendon pulls away from the bone of the elbow or shoulder joint, causing significant pain, bruising and loss of function. Surgical treatment may be necessary to regain full strength and normal function.