Reading
Berkshire
Harley Street
London
Under development
Distal Biceps tendon rupture
What?
Tendons are structures that connect muscles to bone. This allows your joint to move, for example the distal biceps tendons connects your biceps muscle to your forearm which allows your bend your elbow.
Why?
Tendons rupture a sudden over load. This maybe from an awkward sports related fall or whilst trying lift something heavy. The tendon generally pulls off its bony insertion point.
Who?
Anyone at any age can rupture their distal biceps tendon. The risk of injury is not age dependent.
Generally in my practice I see young men from the age of 18-45 who play contact sport, lift weights or have a manual job.
There are some other additional risk factors such as steroid use which increase risk of tendon ruptures.
How?
DIAGNOSIS:
The diagnosis of a distal biceps rupture is generally made clinically by examining you. There will be an obvious deformity of your biceps muscle, bruising and weakness.
A MRI scan can be useful to confirm the diagnosis particularly in delayed cases or partial tears.
TREATMENT:
The treatment for an acute distal biceps rupture is generally to repair it as soon as possible. Retraction of the tendon with delays over 2-3 weeks make the surgery more difficult.
In low demand surgery may not be needed and patient can regain reasonable function and strength.
How?
The surgical repair (Reinsertion) of a distal biceps is performed under General anaesthesia. An incision is made around the top of the forearm. The rutured tendon end is retrieved and fastened with strong sutures. The insertion point of the tendon is found in the forearm bone (Radial tuberosity ) and a drill hole is made. A titanium button is inserted to anchor the tendon back.
RIKS: