The biceps muscle is a strong muscle of the arm that bends the elbow. Strain or injury to the arm can tear the tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the forearm bone. Biceps tendon tears result in pain, swelling, and weakness that can limit the ability to use the arm.
Biceps Tendon Tears at the Elbow
Biceps tendon tears at the elbow are generally uncommon but almost always result from a sudden injury. The most common cause of a biceps tendon tear at the elbow is lifting something heavy, like a box, furniture, or weights.
With significant tears, surgery may be needed to repair the biceps tendon. This gives the patient the best chance to return to their desired activity level.
Surgery for a biceps tendon tear at the elbow involves using an anchor or screw to reattach the tendon to the forearm bone. This can help restore the ability of the biceps muscle to function properly.
To repair a torn biceps tendon, an incision is made along the front of the arm. This allows the surgeon to access the torn tendon and reattach it to the bone.
