What is Distal Biceps Repair?
The biceps is a large muscle located in the front of your upper arm and runs from the shoulder to the elbow joint. It is attached to the bones of the shoulder and elbow by tendons. The distal biceps is the area where the biceps is attached to the forearm bone in the elbow.
Distal biceps repair is a surgical procedure to restore a ruptured or torn distal biceps and tendon, caused by an injury.
Indications for the Procedure
The typical indications for distal biceps repair include:
- A complete tear of the distal biceps tendon
- A partial tear of the distal biceps tendon that continues to be bothersome despite non-operative treatment, including pain, weakness or cramping of the biceps muscle
How is the Distal Biceps Repaired?
The distal biceps is usually repaired through a single incision (front of the elbow). The tendon is reattached to the bone using a screw and a button.
More serious injuries may need a graft (transplanted tissue) to repair the distal biceps.
Complications
Complications are generally rare and temporary. The most common complication is irritation or injury to the sensory nerves of the elbow or the forearm.
Other potential complications are:
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the forearm
- Pain and/or stiffness in the elbow and arm
- A blood clot caused by anesthesia or surgery
- The need for additional surgery due to:
- Infection or bleeding into the elbow joint
- Re-rupture of the repaired distal biceps and tendon
