INTRODUCTION​

• The biceps muscle has two origins in the shoulder area and one insertion in the elbow area. 

• A distal biceps rupture is a tear of the biceps tendon where it inserts on the radius bone

• Tears are characterized as partial or complete tears

• Most commonly occurs in males in their 40s

CAUSES

• Usually occurs when lifting a heavy object while the elbow is stretching out

• Risk factors include: Smoking, Steroids, Tendinitis

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Pain in the front of the elbow

• Often hear a pop after an injury 

• Tenderness over the biceps tendon in the area of the elbow

TREATMENT​​

• For patients with partial distal biceps tears or elderly patients willing to sacrifice elbow function

• A course of physical therapy can be considered

• Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen may help decrease inflammation

• For patients with complete distal biceps tears

• Surgery is usually recommended. Surgery consists of distal biceps repair back to the bone

• Results are very good with surgical management with most patients achieving pain relief without significantly compromising function.