Biceps Tendon Tear

The bicep is a large muscle on the front of the upper arm, between the elbow and the shoulder. Tendons attach the bicep to the bones in the arm and help it function. A bicep tear refers to damage to one of these tendons, which can cause pain and affect arm mobility.

Our board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine specialists at OrthoNeuro have helped thousands of patients with biceps tendon injuries return to an active and healthy lifestyle using various treatment options. Contact one of our many convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus, Ohio today to learn more about how we can help!

What Is a Bicep Tendon Tear?

The biceps tendons connect the biceps muscle to the bones in the elbow and the shoulder. The biceps muscle helps control the motion at both the shoulder and the elbow. It is essential to the function of the forearm when lifting at the elbow and assists the shoulder musculature in moving your arm forward, sideways, and upward.

There are varying degrees of injury that can occur to the biceps tendon at either the attachment to the shoulder or the attachment to the elbow.

In instances where the biceps tendon is ruptured, an audible “pop” can be heard at the moment of injury.

How Biceps Tears Occur

There are a few ways that your biceps tendon may tear. The following list mentions some of the possible causes of a biceps tendon tear:

• Serious or constant overuse
• Moving or twisting your elbow or shoulder in an awkward way
• Falling on an outstretched arm
• Heavy lifting

Who Is at Risk of a Biceps Tear?

There are a few risk factors associated with a biceps tear. Risk factors of a biceps tear include the following:

• Age
• Physical job
• Weightlifting
• Sports such as tennis or swimming or sports that involve repetitive throwing

What Are the Symptoms of a Biceps Tear?

The symptoms of biceps tendon tears vary depending on the location and severity of the tear.

How a Biceps Tear Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis of a biceps tear will begin with a physical examination of the arm. Our specialists will look for signs of injury and test the function of your arm. Biceps tendon ruptures are usually easy to detect because of the visible change in the upper arm. Partial tears are less obvious and may require further imaging tests to diagnose.

Ultrasound and MRI scans are able to give clear pictures of the tendon and surrounding tissues to give your physician an idea of where the tear has occurred and the extent of the damage.

Bicep Tendon Tear Treatment

Treatment for bicep tendon tears depends on the severity of the injury and where the injury has occurred in the arm. In the instance of a biceps tendon tear, your doctor may recommend conservative treatment options to allow the tendon to heal.

These treatment options could include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Bracing
• Physical therapy
• Injection therapy

This procedure (known as a biceps tendon repair) is performed on an outpatient basis so that you can return home the same day as your procedure. Using our advanced minimally invasive techniques, there is very little surgical trauma, and you are able to recover and return to normal activities shortly after surgery.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Shoulder Specialist Today!

If you believe you are experiencing the symptoms of a biceps tendon tear or rupture, schedule an appointment with OrthoNeuro.

Our specialists will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of treatment is best for you. Contact one of our many convenient locations throughout Columbus, OH today!