Distal Biceps Repair

WHAT IS IT

• The biceps tendon can tear from the radius with trauma or heavy lifting
• This is typically in males 30s to 50s
• This tear creates deformity of the biceps and should be repaired soon after the tear occurs (1-2 weeks).

PROCEDURE

• The biceps is repaired through a small incision in the front of the elbow
• 2 small anchors are inserted into the radius bone under x-ray guidance and used to suture the biceps back to the bone.

DAY OF SURGERY

• Light General anesthesia
• 1 hour surgery
• Outpatient

RECOVERY

• Plaster splint 10 days to let the wound heal
• 2-6 weeks in elbow brace
• PT starts week 6 and strengthening starts week 12
• Full recovery 4 months

RISKS (very rare)

• NAsymmetryerve injury of biceps
• Elbow Stiffness
• Re-tear