Symptoms and evaluation
An acute tear may cause a pop, bruising, swelling, weakness and a change in the contour of the biceps. Weakness can be particularly noticeable when turning the palm upward or performing forceful lifting.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on whether the tear is partial or complete, the patient’s functional demands, timing and medical factors. Complete tears in active patients are commonly evaluated for surgical repair, while selected partial tears or lower-demand situations may be managed nonsurgically.
Recovery and return to activity
After repair, the tendon must be protected while it heals back to bone. Motion and strengthening are advanced in stages, with heavier lifting delayed until healing and strength permit.
When to seek evaluation
Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, loss of motion, deformity or symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or daily activities are reasonable reasons to seek an orthopedic evaluation. Urgent injuries with severe deformity, open wounds or compromised circulation require prompt medical attention.
Common questions
Distal biceps tears can affect both elbow flexion and forearm supination strength. Early evaluation after an acute injury can help clarify the diagnosis and available treatment options.
Specialized upper-extremity care
Dr. Devin W. Collins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, upper-extremity and microvascular surgery. Treatment recommendations are individualized to the diagnosis, severity, goals and needs of each patient.