Biceps Tendon Rupture
Your bicep muscle is connected to your shoulder and elbow by tendons. When these tendons are overextended or overused, they can rupture and require treatment to reattach to the bone. Bicep tendon rupture can occur at the shoulder or at the elbow, depending on the type of injury. This type of shoulder injury is more common in elderly people who may have micro tears that already exist in their bicep tendons, leaving them susceptible to rupture.
When a bicep tendon ruptures, the function of the arm is affected. Some of the symptoms of a bicep tendon rupture include:
- Sharp pain and/or popping sound in upper arm at time of injury
- Weakness and pain near shoulder or elbow
- Difficulty turning palm up or down
- Bruising on upper arm
- Protrusion above elbow
If any combination of these symptoms occurs, you may have a ruptured bicep tendon in your arm. A physician can diagnose your condition, but for treatment, an orthopedic specialist may be needed. Dr. Kerisimasi Reynolds offers treatment for ruptured bicep tendons at his clinic in San Jose.
Effective treatment for bicep tendon ruptures
In some circumstances, bicep tendon ruptures can be treated without surgery. If the tear is partial and on the top bicep tendon, rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy may be able to heal the rupture. However, more severe or lower ruptured bicep tendons may require surgery. This is also recommended for those who want faster recovery from their injury. During the surgical repair, a small incision is made near the ruptured tendon to access the bone and tendon. The bone is prepared through cleaning and drilling to create holes for re-attaching the tendon to the bone. Sutures are used to secure the tendon to the bone through the drilled holes, then the incision is closed. Rest and rehabilitation are needed for full recovery. If you have a ruptured bicep tendon that you need repaired, contact the office of Dr. Reynolds to discuss surgery. We accept many forms of insurance for your convenience.
