Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow

Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow

Article
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
Diseases & Conditions
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHJul 17, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Elbow Biceps Rupture
  • Biceps Rupture at the Elbow
  • Ruptured Biceps at the Elbow

What is Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow? (Definition/Background Information)

  • The bicep muscle (between the shoulder and elbow) has two connective tendons that attach the muscle to the bone. One tendon attaches the bone to the shoulder, and the other tendon attaches the bone to the elbow.
  • Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow is an injury that occurs, when the bicep tendon that attaches to the elbow, tears
  • It is usually caused from any physical activity, such as an athletic sport, or a normal daily activity that require a repetitive use of the elbow muscles.
  • Overall, there is a high rate of occurrence of this condition, among men (over women) who are physically active
  • A bicep tendon tear can either be partial or complete.
  • The treatments associated with Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow include both nonsurgical and surgical methods

Who gets Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Bicep Tendon Tears at the Elbow may occur in individuals of all age, race, ethnic groups, or gender
  • Overall, men who participate in any sporting activities that require repetitive overuse of the elbows, have the highest rate of prevalence
  • Individuals performing certain occupations, athletes participating in any sports, all involving repetitive motions, are at an increased risk of this elbow injury

What are the Risk Factors for Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow include:

  • Individuals, over the age of 30 years
  • The condition is more common in men, than in women
  • Use of steroid medication
  • Highly stressful and repetitive activities motions are related to sports or other physical activities
  • Researchers have found that smoking can affect the nutrition quality in the tendon, which can increase the risk of a Bicep Tendon Tear

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow? (Etiology)

Causal factors of a Bicep Tendon Tear at the Elbow include:

  • The elbow tendon is forced straight with a resistance, or the elbow tendon is forced to bend against a heavy mass
  • Prolonged lifting or pulling of heavy objects
  • Certain sports activities that require a set of repetitive use of the elbow for prolonged periods, such as with tennis, basketball
  • Fall injuries that causes stress to the biceps tendon. One of the instances this can occur is, when an individual breaks a fall with the use of his/her upper arm or shoulder

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow?

Signs and symptoms of a Bicep Tendon Tear at the Elbow are:

  • Swelling around the front of the elbow
  • Bruising of the elbow and the forearm
  • Difficulty bending the elbow
  • Trouble rotating the forearm
  • A bulge in the upper arm, due to contraction of the biceps muscle (which forms a lump), as a result of a complete tear of the biceps tendon

How is Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow include:

  • Physical examination: The physician performs a thorough physical examination of the elbow. Individuals are also expected to provide an explanation of the circumstances that caused the injury. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
  • X-ray of the elbow: X-rays use radiation in order to produce images of the elbow. These can also help your physician rule out other possible causes for elbow discomfort, such as a fracture
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses a magnetic field to produce images, which allows a physician to view any damage to the bones and soft tissue, to confirm the diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow?

Complications arising from a Bicep Tendon Tear at the Elbow include:

  • Recurrence of the injury
  • Abnormal bone growth surrounding the injury (myositis ossificans)
  • Prolonged and chronic pain

How is Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow Treated?

Treatment associated with Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow includes both nonsurgical and surgical methods. Elderly individuals, who have an increased risk of complications for a surgical intervention, are often treated using nonsurgical conservative treatment methods.

Nonsurgical treatment measures include:

  • Any activity that aggravates the elbow condition should be avoided. The physician may advise the individual to refrain from participating in any physical activities, till the pain or symptoms get better
  • Applying ice to the elbow or arm can help reduce pain and swelling
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as indomethacin and naproxen, can help reduce pain and swelling of the elbow
  • Individuals are likely to need physical therapy. The goal of these exercises is to strengthen the muscles of the elbow, improve flexibility, and decrease stiffness. It may take several months for an individual to complete the physical therapy program

Surgical treatment measures include:

  • Arthroscopy: Arthroscopic surgery is a moderately invasive surgical intervention that is used to reattach the torn tendon back to the bone, using small surgical instruments. These instruments are inserted through a small incision within the elbow

How can Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow be Prevented?

In individuals with a history of Bicep Tendon Tear, a daily stretching exercise program may help reduce the chances of its recurrence. It is also important to incorporate exercises (into one’s activities) to help strengthen the biceps. A few other steps to help prevent Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow include:

  • Avoid any repetitive lifting or pulling (especially overhead) of objects that are heavy
  • In sports, learn the correct techniques and avoid poor (overhead) throwing techniques
  • Quit smoking; this can contribute favorably in preventing a Bicep Tendon Tear at the Elbow

What is the Prognosis of Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • In a majority of the individuals, the long-term prognosis of a Bicep Tendon Tear at the Elbow is usually good. The individuals can regain their full strength and range of motion
  • However, those with a more severe condition may experience recurrence of the symptoms, even after physical therapy has been completed. The duration for a complete recovery may be prolonged

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow:

Biceps Tendon Tear at the elbow is an injury that occurs, when the bicep tendon that attaches to the elbow, tears.

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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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