Topics > Elbow > Rupture of the Biceps Tendon
Rupture of the Biceps Tendon
The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle, which is responsible
for flexing the forearm, to bone. One tendon attaches the biceps to the
radius bone in the forearm, while another connects the long head of the
biceps to the shoulder. Ruptures of the tendon attaching the biceps to
the forearm are rarer and usually occur during falls on a bent arm. Ruptures
of the tendon attaching the biceps to the shoulder are more common and
are associated with long-term wear and tear in people over 40. Some signs
and symptoms of tendon rupture are a sudden pain in the upper arm with
or without a snapping sound, a bulge above the elbow (because the tendon
no longer holds the muscle in place), bruising of the arm, and shoulder
pain.
Your physician will wish to examine your arm and shoulder, checking
in particular the bending movement of your arm. Sometimes an MRI
or other diagnostic test may be necessary to look for possible additional
injury. Surgery is not usually required; the typical treatment consists
of rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, and exercises as directed by your
doctor.
