Biceps Tendon Rupture
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.
Treatment
In most cases, patients do not notice any loss of shoulder or arm function following a proximal biceps tendon rupture. Some cramping of the retracted muscle and perhaps a slight bulge in the arm are usually the most common symptoms. Surgical repair of the proximal biceps tendon is usually only prescribed for younger, active patients.
The reason why there is minimal function loss following a proximal biceps tendon rupture is that there are two tendinous muscle attachments of the biceps at the shoulder joint. However, when the rupture occurs at the distal biceps tendon on the elbow, where there is only one attachment, then surgical repair is often recommended.
If pain persists after a proximal biceps tendon rupture, other possible causes of shoulder pain should be considered. These may include rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, or even fractures around the shoulder. |
