elbow BICEPS TENDON RUPTURE
DEFINITION:
- Disruption of the biceps tendon at or near its attachment to the radius. (See illustration).
MECHANISM OF INJURY / HOW IT OCCURS:
- Most often seen in men over 40 years of age.
- Usually a result of a sudden extension force on a flexed elbow.
SYMPTOMS:
- Individuals complain of sudden, sharp pain to the front of the elbow.
- Lifting activities exacerbate the symptoms.
DIAGNOSIS:
- Physical examination reveals tenderness to the front of the elbow.
- May be able to palpate a defect or gap at the injury site.
- Swelling and bruising (ecchymosis).
- Flexion of the elbow against resistance results in the biceps muscle retracting upwards.
- Weakness with flexion and supination (turning the palm up).
- Radiographs to evaluate for possible avulsion injury (tendon pulls off fragment of bone at its attachment). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm diagnosis.
TREATMENT/REHABILITATION:
- Complete ruptures require surgical repair.
- Partial ruptures may be treated with splint and subsequent rehabilitation but ultimately may require repair.