About Distal Biceps Rupture

Distal Biceps Rupture most commonly occurs when trying to lift a heavy object or when quickly straightening the elbow.

Signs & Symptoms

When this tendon is injured, patients will often feel a pop in the front of their elbow and have immediate pain. Patients normally notice that the bicep muscle looks different. It is common to have bruising and swelling around the front of the elbow when it occurs.

It is best to treat complete distal bicep ruptures within the first 4 weeks of occurrence for a better success rate of reattachment.

Treatment Options

What happens during surgery to repair a distal biceps rupture?

Treatment for a complete distal biceps tear normally requires a surgical repair. The tendon is repaired through a small excision in the front of the elbow. The tendon is reattached to the bone. All incisions are sutured and waterproof bandages are applied. The patient is often placed into a sling for comfort.

What happens after surgery?

You are normally admitted overnight in hospital. You will be placed into a sling or plaster. On discharge from the hospital, you will be given some passive exercises to perform.

You are to keep your wounds clean, dry and covered until your post-operative appointment.

Upon booking your surgery with A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith, the rooms will give you a post-operative appointment to see A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith to check on your progress. At this appointment, all sutures will be removed by either the practice nurse or A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith and a consultation will occur.

A referral for ongoing rehabilitation with a physiotherapist and/or hand therapist will be given to you. You should not lift anything heavy until instructed to do so. If you require any further pain relief after discharge, please see your GP

Risks & Concerns

The associated surgeries risks including but not limited to;

Infection
Scar
Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Need for further surgery

Failure to relieve symptoms
Worsening pain
Bleeding
Neurovascular deficit or injury
Risk of anaesthetic
Frozen shoulder
Re-tear