Biceps Tendon Rupture

The biceps tendons attach your arm muscles to the upper arm bone at your elbow and shoulder. If you experience pain and disability from rupturing a biceps tendon, Austin Sports Medicine, serving the community in and around Central and South Austin, and Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas, can help. The highly experienced orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to repair biceps tendon ruptures, restoring your arm’s normal function and appearance. Call your nearest Austin Sports Medicine office or complete the online booking form to request a speedy biceps tendon evaluation.

What is a biceps tendon rupture?

A biceps tendon rupture happens when one of the tendons attaching your biceps muscle to the upper arm bone tears completely. If this happens in the shoulder, it’s a proximal rupture. If it happens in the elbow, it’s a distal rupture.

A rupture can cause sudden pain, weakness, and a noticeable change in the shape of the arm. The biceps help with bending the elbow, rotating the forearm, and lifting objects, so a rupture can significantly affect everyday movement.

Biceps tendon injuries often occur during heavy lifting or because of a sudden forceful movement, especially in the gym or when playing sports. Steroid use and smoking can also weaken tendons, increasing the risk of injury.

What symptoms does a biceps tendon rupture cause?

Common biceps tendon rupture symptoms include:

• Sudden, sharp pain in your upper arm or elbow
• Swelling or bruising
• Weakness when bending the elbow or turning the palm upward
• A bulge in the arm where the tendon retracts

Austin Sports Medicine has onsite advanced imaging to quickly and accurately diagnose the injury. Open MRI produces detailed images of the tendon and surrounding muscles, and Quantum© Digital Imaging System X-ray checks for bone spurs or fractures.

These cutting-edge diagnostics help the team confirm the rupture and direct treatment.

What treatment does a biceps tendon rupture require?

Biceps tendon rupture treatment depends on the type and location of the rupture and your usual activity level. Nonsurgical options include:

• Rest and ice packs to reduce swelling
• Over-the-counter medications to manage pain
• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve range of motion
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to support healing

The Austin Sports Medicine team might suggest surgery for younger or more active people or if there’s significant arm weakness.

What does biceps tendon rupture surgery involve?

During biceps tenodesis surgery, the team reattaches your torn tendon to the bone using anchors or stitches. They may reconstruct the tendon using graft tissue if the damage is too severe to repair.

After surgery, rehab includes a personalized physical therapy program. Strength gradually returns to the bicep over a few months, and patients can typically recommence sports or heavy lifting within 3-6 months.

Whether you’re an athlete or just want to lift groceries without pain, get the proper treatment for a biceps tendon rupture. Call Austin Sports Medicine today or book an appointment by completing the online form.