What is a Bicep Tendon Tear? 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 can lead to fraying of the biceps tendon and eventual rupture. A biceps tendon tear 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. Most 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 less common.
What are the Causes of Bicep Tendon Tears?
Biceps tendon tears 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 tears 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 of Bicep Tendon Tear
The most common symptoms of a biceps tendon tear 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
How are Bicep Tendon Tears Diagnosed?
Your doctor diagnoses a biceps tendon tear after observing your symptoms and taking a medical history. A physical exam is performed where your arm may be moved in different positions 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 Options for Bicep Tendon Tears
Non-surgical Treatment for Bicep Tendon Tears Non-surgical treatment is an option for patients whose injury is limited to the top of the biceps tendon. Non-surgical treatments include:
Rest: A sling is used to rest the shoulder and you are advised to avoid overhead activities and lifting heavy objects until the bicep tendon has 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 medicines help reduce pain and swelling.
Physical therapy: Strengthening and flexibility exercises help restore strength and mobility to the shoulder joint.
Surgical Treatmentfor Bicep Tendon Tears 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 of Bicep Tendon Repair Surgery
As with any surgery, complications can occur related to the anesthesia or the procedure. Most patients suffer no complications following biceps tendon repair; however, complications can occur and may include:
