Distal Biceps Repair
Distal Biceps Repair in San Antonio, TX
A sudden pop at the front of your elbow while lifting something heavy, followed by bruising and a change in the shape of your upper arm, may mean your biceps tendon has torn away from the bone. A complete tear usually does not heal back on its own, and timely evaluation helps you understand your options.
Travis C. Burns, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in San Antonio, TX, performs distal biceps tendon repair and sees patients at his Medical Center, Alamo Heights and Westover Hills offices. Dr. Burns considers your injury, activity level and goals when discussing whether repair is right for you.
What Is Distal Biceps Repair?
Distal biceps repair is surgery that reattaches a torn biceps tendon to its original attachment on the radius, a forearm bone just below your elbow. The biceps helps you bend your elbow and turn your palm up, a motion called supination. When the tendon tears completely, you may lose strength in these motions.
For background on this injury, including symptoms and diagnosis, see the Distal Biceps Rupture page.
What Are the Benefits of Distal Biceps Repair?
If you are an appropriate candidate, repair may offer potential benefits:
- Restored strength: Reattaching the tendon may help restore strength when you bend your elbow and turn your palm up.
- Better endurance: Repetitive lifting and twisting may become easier.
- Improved appearance: Repair may correct the bunched-up look of the muscle.
- Return to activity: Many patients work toward getting back to work, sport and weight training.
Your benefits depend on your injury, the timing of surgery and your rehabilitation.
Who Needs Distal Biceps Repair?
You may be a candidate for distal biceps repair when examination and imaging show a significant tear. Situations may include:
- A complete tear of the distal biceps tendon
- A partial tear that remains painful or weak despite nonsurgical care
- Loss of strength when turning your palm up or bending your elbow
- A physically demanding job or active lifestyle
- A desire to restore strength in your dominant arm
Not every patient needs surgery. Some people with lower demands choose nonsurgical care, and Dr. Burns can discuss the trade-offs with you. Because a torn tendon can pull back and scar over time, an evaluation soon after the injury is helpful.
What Does Preparation for Distal Biceps Repair Involve?
Your evaluation includes a history of the injury, an exam of your elbow strength and the tendon, and imaging such as MRI or ultrasound to confirm the tear. You and your surgeon will discuss timing and what to expect.
Before surgery, you will receive instructions as outlined in the Preoperative Instructions. You will be in a splint and then a hinged elbow brace for about six weeks, so planning for help with daily tasks is an important part of preparation.
How Is Distal Biceps Repair Performed?
After you receive anesthesia, an incision is made near the front of your elbow. The torn tendon end is found and prepared, and it is reattached to the radius with fixation devices that hold it in place while it heals. The exact technique is discussed with you before surgery.
The incision is closed and a splint is applied.
What to Expect During Recovery After Distal Biceps Repair?
Dr. Burns' distal biceps tendon repair protocol outlines each stage of your rehabilitation.
The First Two Weeks
You will keep your splint in place, clean and dry, for 10 to 14 days. Cover it in a plastic bag or keep it out of the shower. Your sutures are typically removed 10 to 14 days after surgery, and your splint is changed to a hinged elbow brace at your first post-op appointment. See the Postoperative Instructions.
Weeks 2 to 6
You wear the hinged elbow brace, which is set at a starting point based on the tension of your repair. Gentle passive motion is allowed, but not active motion, and your elbow extension is increased about 10 to 15 degrees per week. Gentle shoulder shrugs and a stationary bike, while wearing the brace, are allowed.
Weeks 6 to 12
From weeks 6 to 9, you begin active and active-assisted motion without weight and stop using the brace once you reach full motion. From weeks 9 to 12, the goal is full motion and gentle strengthening, with a push-up progression and a running program. See the Physical Therapy Protocols page.
Returning to Activity
From months three to six, the goal is to regain full strength and function, with weight training at progressive resistance as tolerated.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Distal Biceps Repair?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks. Possible risks and complications include:
- Infection
- Stiffness or loss of motion
- Nerve injury, which may cause numbness or weakness in the forearm
- Re-rupture of the tendon
- Extra bone formation near the repair
- Persistent weakness or pain
- Complications related to anesthesia
Your surgeon can discuss these risks and how they apply to you based on your individual condition, health and activity goals.
Why Choose Dr. Burns for Distal Biceps Repair in San Antonio, TX?
Travis C. Burns, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine through the John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship. His practice centers on arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, hip and knee, which gives him a sports medicine perspective on restoring strength for work, sport and daily life.
Dr. Burns previously served as Chief of Sports Medicine at San Antonio Military Medical Center, where his clinical focus was complex shoulder, hip and knee injuries. He has been active in research and academic medicine, including more than 35 peer-reviewed publications. You can meet with him at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office, depending on what is most convenient for you.
Distal Biceps Repair FAQs
What is distal biceps repair?
Distal biceps repair is surgery that reattaches a torn biceps tendon to the forearm bone just below your elbow to restore strength when you bend your elbow and turn your palm up.
Does a torn distal biceps tendon heal on its own?
Not usually. A complete tear generally does not reattach on its own, though some people with lower demands choose nonsurgical care.
How soon should I have surgery?
Usually sooner rather than later. The tendon can pull back and scar over time, which can make repair more difficult, so an early evaluation helps.
How long will I wear a brace?
About six weeks in total. You wear a splint for 10 to 14 days and then a hinged elbow brace, which you stop once you reach full motion.
When can I lift weights again?
Usually between three and six months, with weight training progressed gradually as tolerated.
Distal Biceps Repair in San Antonio, TX
If you felt a pop at the front of your elbow or have new weakness in your arm, an evaluation can help you understand your options. Request an appointment in San Antonio with Dr. Burns at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office to discuss your distal biceps repair options. You can call (210) 705-5060 to schedule a visit.
