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Distal Biceps Repair Surgery in Houston, TX
What is Distal Biceps Repair?
The biceps is a large muscle located in the front of your upper arm and runs from the shoulder to the elbow joint. It is attached to the bones of the shoulder and elbow by tendons. The distal biceps is the area where the biceps is attached to the forearm bone in the elbow.
Distal biceps repair is a surgical procedure to restore a ruptured or torn distal biceps and tendon, caused by an injury.
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Indications for the Procedure
The typical indications for distal biceps repair include:
- “Pop” or tear felt in the front of the elbow
- Severe pain around the crease of the elbow
- Bruising and swelling around the front of the elbow
- Weakness in bending of the elbow or twisting the forearm
- Warmth in the elbow and cramping in the arm
- Substantial pain and weakness of the entire upper extremity (shoulder to hand)
Preparation
Your surgeon will explain the procedure, its complications and benefits, and answer any questions you may have.
Additionally, you may be told:
- To avoid certain medicines (if applicable) before the surgery
- To arrange an escort to drive you home after the surgery
- To fast after midnight prior to your surgery
How is the Distal Biceps Repaired?
The distal biceps is usually repaired through a single incision (front of the elbow) or a double incision (front and back of the elbow) technique.
During the procedure:
- You will be administered general anesthesia.
- A small incision is made at the elbow, and the torn or ruptured end of the biceps located.
- Any damaged tissues are removed using specialized instruments.
- Small holes are then drilled into your forearm bone (radius bone).
- A tiny metal implant known as an anchor is pressed into the forearm bone.
- Strong threads (sutures) are inserted into the distal biceps tendon.
- The sutures are attached to the anchor and the biceps is pulled back.
- The biceps is reattached and fixed to the forearm bone with strong anchoring stitches.
- The incision is closed with stitches and a dressing is applied.
- Your elbow is protected with the use of a brace and a sling.
More serious injuries may need a graft (transplanted tissue) to repair the distal biceps.
Complications
Complications are generally rare and temporary. The most common complication is irritation or injury to the sensory nerves of the elbow or the forearm.
Other potential complications are:
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the forearm
- Pain and/or stiffness in the elbow and arm
- A blood clot caused by anesthesia or surgery
- The need for additional surgery due to:
- Infection or bleeding into the elbow joint
- Re-rupture of the repaired distal biceps and tendon
After-Surgery Care
As you recover, the surgeon will instruct you to:
- Wear an immobilizing device on your elbow or arm for 4 to 6 weeks
- Keep the surgery site dry to decrease the chance of infection
- Protect the repair by restricting your activities for at least 3 months
- Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous activity for several months
Benefits
Distal biceps repair can help you to:
- Regain strength and a full range of motion
- Restore normal function of the elbow
- Return to normal activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is distal biceps repair?
The distal biceps is where the biceps muscle attaches to the forearm bone at the elbow. Distal biceps repair is a surgical procedure to restore a ruptured or torn distal biceps tendon caused by an injury.
What are the signs of a distal biceps tendon tear?
Typical signs include a “pop” or tear felt in the front of the elbow, severe pain around the elbow crease, bruising and swelling, and weakness when bending the elbow or twisting the forearm. Some people also feel warmth in the elbow, arm cramping, and pain and weakness throughout the upper extremity.
How is a distal biceps tendon repaired?
Under general anesthesia, Dr. Luo makes an incision at the elbow using a single- or double-incision technique and locates the torn tendon. Small holes are drilled into the forearm (radius) bone, a metal anchor is placed, and sutures reattach the biceps tendon to the bone; the elbow is then protected with a brace and sling. More serious injuries may require a tissue graft.
What is recovery like after distal biceps repair?
You’ll wear an immobilizing device on the elbow or arm for 4 to 6 weeks and keep the surgical site dry to reduce infection risk. Activities should be restricted for at least 3 months, with heavy lifting and vigorous activity avoided for several months.
What are the benefits and risks of the surgery?
Distal biceps repair helps restore strength, full range of motion, and normal elbow function so you can return to your activities. Complications are generally rare and temporary, with the most common being irritation of the sensory nerves; other possible risks include numbness or weakness, stiffness, blood clots, and re-rupture requiring additional surgery.
Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist