The biceps muscle consists of two muscle heads attached to the shoulder. The attachments are located at the proximal or central point, end of the humerus. The humerus is the arm bone located between the shoulder and the elbow. The two heads of the biceps are joined together at the opposite end of the bicep muscle, close to the elbow, which forms into a single distal bicep tendon. The tendon located at the distal end of the humerus goes into one of the two bones of the forearm called the radius bone.
The biceps participate in the elbow flexion and supination through this distal attachment. Supination is the forearm movement that allows the palm to turn from a “palm down” to a “palm up” position. Distal bicep injuries can be a complex and stressful process; speaking to an Orthopedic Doctor in Manhattan at Dines Orthopedics will help you recover as comfortably as possible.
Injuries to the distal bicep tendon can be partial or complete ruptures. Typically, this type of injury occurs when there is a preexisting degeneration or disease, such as tendonosis, making the tendon prone to injury. Tendonosis is a natural process in which the biceps weaken over time or natural wear and tear. Individuals who smoke or are not regularly physically active are more likely to endure this type of injury when the tendon is subjected to heavy loads. For example, when the bicep muscle contracts with the elbow in a straight position, such as when trying to catch a heavy object, leading to the tendon rupturing.
What are the symptoms and signs?
A distal bicep injury is painful, but muscles are surrounding the affected area, which can “pick up the slack” of the injured muscles. The pain that usually comes along following this type of injury can be minor to major, and the pain can subside quickly, being that the surrounding muscles overcompensate for the injured muscles.
Symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Pain at the front of the elbow
- Hearing a “pop” like sound coming from the injured area upon an accident
- Bruising of the skin following an injury
- Loss of function
- Weakness in flexion and supination, or rotation.
A completely ruptured tendon can result in the tendon retracting toward the shoulder. If this occurs, it may seem as if there is a rounded mass accumulated towards the lower bicep muscle, and you should seek professional help from an Orthopedic Doctor in Manhattan at Dines Orthopedics in the event of an injury.
Treatment With Our Orthopedic Doctor in Manhattan
Surgery is conducted, if necessary, to repair the tendon in order to be reattached to the radius bone in the forearm. This is usually done through an open incision. Most patients are recommended or elect to have surgery, but there are non-invasive procedures for people who are not candidates for surgery. An Orthopedic Doctor in Manhattan at Dines Orthopedics will evaluate the injury and discuss options to help decision-making for the best course of action.
Routine X-Rays and MRI scans are used to evaluate the tear.
A physical exam is typically used to evaluate the loss of function and keep track of recovery.
Rehabilitation includes the elbow to be immobilized for a given period, where physical therapy is then administered to recover range of motion. Once the tendon is finished healing, light strengthening regimens are put into place to restore as much function as possible in order to have a patient return to full activity. At Dines Orthopedics, an Orthopedic Doctor in Manhattan, we will help you from start to finish.