A biceps tendon rupture is an injury that occurs to the biceps tendon causing the attachment to separate from the bone or the tendon to tear. A normal biceps tendon is connected strongly to the bone. When the biceps tendon ruptures, this tendon is detached. Following a biceps tendon rupture, the muscle cannot pull on the bone, and certain movements may be weakened and painful.
The Bicep tendon splits and has two attachments into the shoulder joint. The long head attachment of the bicep is most likely to be injured since it travels through shoulder joint and attaches into the socket. The short head of the bicep tendon rarely tears and because of that many times those that tear the long head of the bicep can still function.
The bicep tendons can either have a partial or complete tear. Many times the tendon starts by fraying and then as it progressively gets worse the tendon can completely tear.
Symptoms
- Sudden sharp pain
- Pop or snap that may be heard
- Cramping that occurs in the bicep tendon with arm use
- Bruising
- Pain or tenderness
- Weakness in the shoulder and or elbow
- Bulge in the upper arm above the elbow know as ‘popeye muscle’
Causes
- Injury
- Hard fall on an outstretched arm
- Lifting a heavy object
- Overuse
- Wearing down and fraying
- Occurs slowly over time
- Naturally occurs with age
- Repeating the same motion again and again
- Prior shoulder injuries that put more stress on the tendon
- Tendinitis
- Shoulder impingement
- Rotator cuff injuries
What can predispose you for this injury?
- Age
- Activities that are overhead
- Repetitive motions that are overhead
- Smoking (Nicotine can affect nutrition in the tendon)
- Overuse of Corticosteroid Medications
Diagnosis
Physician will discuss your symptoms and past medical history with you and then do a physical exam and look for any deformities.
Imaging test may be ordered:
- X-ray
- MRI
Treatment
Non-operative Biceps Tendon Rupture Treatment
Bicep Tendon Rupture Surgery
Prevention
Some things that you can do to prevent a bicep tendon rupture include:
- Maintain good strength in the upper body
- Avoid repetitive overhead lifting activities
- Avoid general overuse of shoulder motions that involve pushing and pulling
