Treatment Expertise for Biceps Rupture

The sports medicine team at University Hospitals includes board-certified sports medicine physicians for the diagnosis and treatment of any shoulder and elbow sports injury, including ruptured biceps. Treatment for a biceps rupture depends on its severity and where it occurs. For an accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment based on your unique injury, it is important to see a specialist.

Because the biceps muscle extends from the shoulder to the elbow, injury can occur at any point. Injury at the elbow section is less common, but damage at the shoulder can be a source of bicep pain in many individuals. Most ruptures of the biceps tendon ruptures at the shoulder can be treated without an operation. If your ruptured biceps is mild, conservative methods such as rest, the application of ice and cold packs, anti-inflammatory medications and sports medicine physical therapy will be recommended.

However, if conservative methods are unable to effectively treat your condition, bicep tendon surgery may be required to reattach the torn bicep tendon to the bone at the elbow. Ideally, surgical repair should occur within the first three weeks after your bicep tear injury.

Minimally Invasive Arthroscopy for Innovative Repair

Our sports medicine doctors at University Hospitals offer a minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for biceps tendon repair at the shoulder level. With an innovative approach that uses tiny cameras placed on surgical instruments to guide them, our team performs this minimally invasive procedure for improved biceps tear recovery. If you undergo this type of surgery, you can expect less scarring and faster healing. With national recognition for high-volume arthroscopic surgeries, our team has the experience and expertise for your specific condition.

Following a surgical repair, you will work with sports physical therapist as a part of your recovery process at our comprehensive sports medicine-focused rehabilitation program. With one-on-one physical therapy, our team is able to more closely monitor your recovery and make any necessary adjustments, so you’ll be able to get back to your daily routine as quickly as possible. Our goal is your goal - to regain full arm strength and get back to the activities you love.

Understanding the Importance of Skilled Ruptured Biceps Care

Biceps are located in the front of your upper arm and play a vital role in helping you bend your elbow and maintain shoulder stability. The biceps muscle has two tendons and attaches at the shoulder and below the elbow. A bicep tear can occur around the shoulder or at the level of the elbow.

Your biceps tendon may rupture or tear if you overuse it, injure it by lifting heavy objects or suddenly fall with your arm outstretched. A condition such as shoulder impingement or a rotator cuff injury may also contribute to a torn biceps tendon at the shoulder level.

Biceps tendon tear symptoms can include a “pop” sound, sudden, debilitating pain in the upper arm, swelling, bruising, elbow weakness or a gap in the front of the elbow.

Accurate Diagnosis of Partial and Complete Biceps Tears

If you are showing symptoms of a ruptured bicep, our elbow specialists will conduct a physical exam and check for pain, bruising and a gap in the tendon. They will also test the strength of your forearm by asking you to rotate it against resistance.

In the event a biceps rupture is detected, X-rays may be used to rule out other elbow conditions while an MRI scan will determine whether a partial or complete biceps rupture is present. While a partial biceps tear does not fully sever the tendon, a complete biceps tear will completely detach the tendon from the bone at the shoulder or elbow level.