Indications for Surgery
Surgery is indicated for patients with a complete rupture, or painful partial rupture of the distal bicep’s tendon. The tendon tears from the tuberosity of the radius bone (forearm bone) just below the elbow, retracts (pulls away), and does not heal. Surgery is recommended to repair the tendon, restore strength, and prevent later weakness and discomfort with lifting. Without repair, there is a permanent loss of elbow bending and forearm supination (rotation of the forearm to palm up position) strength and endurance. Surgery is usually recommended as soon as possible following the injury. A delay in surgery for greater than three weeks may allow the tendon to retract further, resulting in permanent shortening of the biceps muscle. After the permanent shortening, the tendon may not be able to be reconnected to the bone without more complex surgery using a tendon graft to make up the gap.
