Biceps Tendon Rupture Surgery

Biceps tendon tears can be either partial or complete and affect the shoulder or the elbow areas.

Partial tears. These tears do not completely sever the tendon.

Complete tears. A complete tear will split the tendon into two pieces.

In most cases, tears of the distal biceps tendon are complete. This means that the entire muscle is detached from the bone and pulled toward the shoulder. Distal biceps tendon rupture is equally likely in the dominant and non-dominant arm.

Other arm muscles can substitute for the injured tendon, usually resulting in full motion and reasonable function. Left without surgical repair, however, the injured arm will have a 30% to 40% decrease in strength, mainly in twisting the forearm (supination).

Rupture of the biceps tendon at the elbow is unusual. It occurs in only one to two people per 100,000 each year, and rarely in women.

Treatments

Non Surgical

Surgical treatment for a long head of the biceps tendon tear is rarely needed. However, some patients who require complete recovery of strength, such as athletes or manual laborers, may require surgery.

Surgery may also be the right option for those with partial tears whose symptoms are not relieved with nonsurgical treatment.

Surgical

Several new procedures have been developed that repair the tendon with minimal incisions. The goal of the surgery is to re-anchor the torn tendon back to the bone. 

Your surgeon may opt for several surgical procedures for distal bicep tendon tear where the distal biceps tendon is reattached to the forearm bone. Some doctors would instead use two incisions, while some use only 1 incision. Both procedures carry certain advantages and disadvantages. During the procedure, the tendon is attached with stitches through holes drilled inside the bone or small metal implants may be used to attach the tendon to the bone.

 

Recovery

After surgery, your shoulder may be immobilized temporarily with a sling.

Your doctor will soon start you on therapeutic exercises. Flexibility exercises will improve range of motion in your shoulder. Exercises to strengthen your shoulder will gradually be added to your rehabilitation plan.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Although it is a slow process, your commitment to physical therapy is the most important factor in returning to all the activities you enjoy

Shoulder Conditions

  • Bankart Lesion
  • Biceps Tendon Rupture
  • Broken Collarbone
  • Burners & Stinger
  • Bursitis
  • Chronic Shoulder Instability
  • Fracture of the Shoulder Blade
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Labral Tear
  • Rotator Cuff Tear
  • Shoulder Arthritis
  • Shoulder Dislocation
  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Shoulder Separation
  • Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP)
    • Throwing Injuries[/li_item|

Shoulder Treatments

  • Acromioplasty
  • Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
  • Biceps Tendon Rupture Surgery
  • Biceps Tenodesis
  • Broken Collarbone Surgery
  • Bursitis/Shoulder Impingement Surgery
  • Closed Reduction Shoulder Surgery
  • Labrum Surgery
  • Instability Shoulder Surgery
  • Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery
  • Revision Shoulder Replacement Surgery
  • Rotator Cuff Repair
  • Shoulder Arthritis Surgery
  • Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery
  • Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Treatment
  • Shoulder Separation Surgery
  • Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
  • Throwing Injury Surgeries

Conservative Treatments

The Orthopedic physicians at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic provide conservative treatment options for Shoulder conditions and injuries.

Dr. Paul Abeyta ~ Orthopedic Surgeon

““I believe that excellent outcomes can be achieved with clear communication and treatment plans that are tailored to the individual needs of the patient. I emphasize injury prevention and utilize a multidisciplinary team which includes highly trained physical therapists. Careful diagnostic evaluation, compassionate care, and application of current medical information and surgical technique are all important for returning patients to their pre-injury level of activity.”

Dr. Paul Abeyta is a board-certified, orthopedic and Sports Medicine surgeon treating patients at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic in Burlingame, California.

Dr. Todd Kim ~ Orthopedic Surgeon

“Although I treat many patients with similar orthopedic injuries, I believe that the best outcomes for patients result from individualized treatment plans. Not every injury is the same. And to be sure, every patient has his or her own goals. Whether your hope is to return to a high level of competitive sports or to be able to walk your dog without pain, forming the best treatment plan requires excellent communication and trust with your surgeon. I am committed to listening and working with you to find the best treatment approach for your injury and lifestyle.”

Dr. Todd Kim is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in complex and traditional shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle conditions and treatments.

Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic

The Orthopaedic physicians at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic provide comprehensive services to all members of the family.
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