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From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Rupture of the Biceps Tendon at the Elbow

Surgical Treatment of Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture

by Raffy Mirzayan, MD; Stephen E. Lemos, MD; Kenneth Brooks, MD

Distal biceps tendon rupture is a rare injury that usually occurs as the result of sudden application of an extension force against a concentrically flexed biceps. Typically, the tendon avulses from its insertion on the radial tuberosity; however, the tendon can also rupture in its midsubstance. Classically, this injury is seen in the dominant extremity of men between the ages of 40 and 60 years. The common symptom of distal biceps tendon rupture is a sharp, tearing pain followed by discomfort in the region of the antecubital fossa. Proximal migration of the tendon, when present, allows the diagnosis to be readily made. Management of distal biceps tendon rupture includes both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. Nonsurgical treatment consists of local and systemic measures for comfort in addition to physical therapy, with return to activities as tolerated. Surgical intervention involves reattachment of the tendon to the radial tuberosity. This article describes repair of the distal biceps tendon through one-incision and two-incision techniques.

Keywords: distal biceps tendon rupture, ruptured biceps, ruptured biceps tendon, torn biceps, biceps tear, bicipital tear, bicipital injury

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