Distal Biceps Rupture Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Overview

The distal biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle to the elbow. A distal biceps rupture usually happens when the arm is straight and a sudden, heavy force pulls on it, such as trying to catch or lift something very heavy. This strong pull can cause the tendon to tear away from the bone. In most cases, surgery is recommended to help restore arm strength and normal function.

What causes Distal Biceps Rupture?

Distal bicep tendon ruptures occur due to an injury to the tendon, such as when an athlete lands on an outstretched arm. This injury also often occurs when lifting something very heavy, forcing the bent elbow straight.

Men 30 years or older, particularly those who are “weekend warriors,” are at greater risk for this injury.

• How the Injury Occurs: The injury typically happens when a bent elbow is suddenly forced straight while lifting or resisting heavy weights.
• Common Everyday Causes: Lifting heavy objects with the arm straight, sudden pulling motions, catching a falling object, or overexertion during home or gym activities can lead to distal biceps rupture.

Biceps rupture at the elbow is common in these sports:

• Weightlifting: Heavy or uncontrolled lifting can overload the tendon, causing it to tear at the elbow.
• Football: Forceful contact or bracing during a fall places sudden strain on the bent elbow.
• Hockey: Falls or collisions force the arm to resist sudden extension under load.
• Lacrosse: Rapid arm movements and contact stress the biceps tendon during play.
• Rugby: Tackling and resisting forceful pulls increase tension on the distal biceps tendon.

Symptoms

When the biceps tendon ruptures, a sudden popping or tearing sensation is often felt or heard. The biceps muscle may appear to bunch or ball up near the elbow, although this occurs less frequently than with biceps ruptures at the shoulder. Bruising commonly develops around the elbow and forearm, and bending or flexing the elbow usually becomes difficult and painful.

Non-operative treatment

Initially, torn bicep treatment will include rest, ice, and splinting. Sometimes, especially in the case of a partial rupture, surgery is not necessary. If you decide to treat your distal biceps rupture non-operatively, you will generally regain most of your strength but may have some weakness, especially with repetitive activities.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

distal biceps rupture

Surgical Treatment

In most cases of a distal biceps rupture, surgery is  recommended to reattach the tendon. To be effective, surgery should be conducted within two to three weeks of the injury due to the formation of scar tissue and retraction of the tendon. If performed within this time frame, surgery is generally successful.

Your surgeon will make a small incision over the front of your elbow and find the detached end of the biceps tendon. Your surgeon will then find the area where it was detached, drill a small hole in the bone, and reattach the tendon to the bone..