Is distal bicep surgery worth it?
Surgeons seem to agree that the benefit of surgery is a little more supination strength, with flexion strength returning close to normal with or without surgery. An untreated rupture causes less deformity than with proximal biceps rupture. Surgery adds a scar and does not entirely prevent deformity.
How painful is distal bicep tendon surgery?
There are a number of injuries that can appear similar to a distal biceps rupture. In the majority of cases, the biceps muscle will have a different appearance on the injured side than the uninjured side. It will often look as though there is a tennis ball that is closer to the top of your arm than usual.
When can I lift weights after bicep tendon surgery?
Formal strength retraining is usually started at 2-3 months post-operative but return to sport and heavy lifting is delayed to 6 months following surgery.
What can you not do after bicep surgery?
Do not raise your arm. If you had open surgery, do not shower until your doctor says it is okay. Most people who work at desk jobs can return to work in 1 to 2 weeks. If you lift, push, or pull at work, you may be able to return in 3 to 4 months.
What is the success rate for distal bicep tendon surgery?
The review identified 7 articles including 105 patients (mean age 43.6 years) with 106 acute distal biceps ruptures. Mean follow-up was 26.3 months. Functional outcome of ROM regarding flexion/extension and pronation/supination was satisfactory in 94 (89.5%) and 86 (82%) patients in respect.
How common is a distal bicep tendon rupture?
The incidence of distal biceps tendon ruptures is 1.2 per 100,000 patients, with the majority in the dominant elbow of men who smoke and who are in their fourth decade of life.
How do you sleep after distal bicep surgery?
Sleeping: Many patients have difficulty sleeping after elbow surgery. You may find that sleeping in a slightly upright position (ie reclining chair) with a pillow under your forearm will be your most comfortable position. Make sure to have your pain under control before you sleep.
What is the most common complication after distal biceps tendon repair at the elbow?
The most common reported complication in the single-incision group was neurapraxia at 9.8%, while the double-incision group had greater rates of heterotopic ossification at 7%. Rerupture and failed reattachment occurred in 2.5% of single-incision cases versus 0.6% of double-incision cases.
How long does it take for a tendon to heal after surgery?
Healing can take up to 12 weeks. The injured tendon may need to be supported with a splint or cast to take tension off of the repaired tendon. Physical therapy or occupational therapy is usually necessary to return movement in a safe manner. Expect movement to return gradually, with some stiffness.
How do you strengthen the distal biceps tendon?
Biceps Stretch
With your palm down, raise the arm on your injured side and touch the thumb side of your hand to the wall. Make sure your arm is straight, and then turn your body away from your raised arm until you feel a stretch in the biceps. Hold this stretch for about 15 seconds. Rest, and then complete 2 more reps.
When do you start physical therapy after bicep tendon surgery?
Exercises for the biceps muscle are usually avoided until at least four to six weeks after surgery. Our Physical Therapist may begin by having you do light isometric strengthening exercises. These exercises work the biceps muscle without straining the healing tendon.
What is a distal biceps tendon rupture?
A distal biceps tendon rupture is a full or partial tear of this tendon. Rupture of the distal biceps tendon can be sports-related, occur when lifting a heavy weight or when the arm is bent and suddenly forced to straighten.