Repair should occur within the first three to six weeks post-rupture in order to restore the normal muscle/tendon unit length and avoid contracture. An average loss of 40% supination strength and 30% flexion strength may occur if not repaired.
What is the distal biceps tendon repair rehab protocol?
The supination-pronation test can be performed easily in the acute setting and confirms attachment of the biceps tendon distally to the bicipital tuberosity of the radius. If the distal biceps tendon is intact, there is substantial change in the shape of the biceps as the arm is supinated (the biceps moves proximally), then pronated (the biceps ...
What is the prognosis of distal bicep tendon repair?
biceps tendon and passed through drill holes in the radius at a location called the radial tuberosity. Other fixation devices such as a small button or suture anchors can also be used to increase the strength of the repair. The goal is to allow the tendon to heal back to the bone over time. Appropriate rehabilitation is critical to the success ...
What is the best way to repair a torn biceps tendon?
For example if it was set at 40° 14 days after surgery, then the PT can progress that to 30° at day 21 assuming there are no symptomatic restrictions. In some cases, such as acute tears of healthy tendons, the tendon can be repaired without tension, thus almost full extension.
What happens to the biceps when the arm is supinated?
• AVOID active elbow flexion and forearm supination until Week 4 • NO LIFTING with repaired upper extremity until Week 8 Brace • Initial immobilization: posterior elbow orthosis with elbow in 90 degrees flexion with forearm
When can I workout after distal bicep surgery?
After the 6-week post-operative period the elbow is gradually stretched into full elbow extension and full pronation. Formal strength retraining is usually started at 2-3 months post-operative but return to sport and heavy lifting is delayed to 6 months following surgery.
What can you not do after bicep tendon surgery?
Do not raise your arm. If you had open surgery, do not shower until your doctor says it is okay. Most people who work at desk jobs can return to work in 1 to 2 weeks. If you lift, push, or pull at work, you may be able to return in 3 to 4 months.
When do you start physical therapy after bicep tendon surgery?
Exercises for the biceps muscle are usually avoided until at least four to six weeks after surgery. Our Physical Therapist may begin by having you do light isometric strengthening exercises. These exercises work the biceps muscle without straining the healing tendon.
What is recovery time for bicep tendon repair?
It takes about 3 to 4 months for your biceps muscle to heal. You may be able to do easier daily activities in 2 to 3 weeks, as long as you don't use your injured arm.
How long does it take for tendon to reattach to bone?
Healing can take up to 12 weeks. The injured tendon may need to be supported with a splint or cast to take tension off of the repaired tendon. Physical therapy or occupational therapy is usually necessary to return movement in a safe manner. Expect movement to return gradually, with some stiffness.
How do I raise my arm after bicep surgery?
Elevate your arm by resting it on a pillow placed on your chest so it is higher than the level of your heart. You may bend the elbow as much as the dressing allows. Use ice throughout the day - thirty minutes on followed by thirty minutes off.
How do you rehab a partially torn bicep tendon?
Treatment may include:Rest. You will be instructed in ways that allows the limb to rest to promote healing.Icing. Your physical therapist will show you how to apply ice to the affected area to manage pain and swelling.Range-of-Motion Activities. ... Strengthening Exercises. ... Functional Activities. ... Education.
How long do you wear a sling after bicep Tenodesis?
Recovery from shoulder biceps tenodesis is a long process. While most patients experience some improvement within four to six months, complete recovery can take as long as a year. Generally, you will need to wear a sling for four to six weeks after surgery.
How do you sleep after bicep tendon surgery?
Sleeping: Many patients have difficulty sleeping after elbow surgery. You may find that sleeping in a slightly upright position (ie reclining chair) with a pillow under your forearm will be your most comfortable position. Make sure to have your pain under control before you sleep.
How long does swelling last after bicep tendon surgery?
Your hand and arm may also be swollen. This is normal and will go away in a few days. Depending on the medicine you had during the surgery, your entire arm may feel numb or like you can't move it. This goes away in 12 to 24 hours.
How long does it take for a PT to progress to full extension?
The extension block can be progressed 10° each week by the therapist until they reach full extension. For example if it was set at 40° 14 days after surgery, then the PT can progress that to 30° at day 21 assuming there are no symptomatic restrictions.
Where is the biceps tendon located?
Biceps muscle Distal biceps tendon Radius bone. Figure 1: The biceps muscle lies on the front of the upper arm and has two heads. At the shoulder there are two tendon attachements, where as at the elbow there is one tendon (distal) attaching to the radius bone of the forearm. Repair of the biceps tendon.
What is the function of the biceps?
The biceps muscle has two important functions. It bends (flexes) the elbow joint and rotates the forearm to a palm up position. If the distal tendon of the biceps is torn completely (ruptured) there will be a significant loss of strength for these two motions.
What is surgical repair?
Surgical repair involves reattachment of the tendon to the radius bone. Prior to reattaching there may be a need to trim away the frayed or damaged fibers at the end of the tendon. This will create a healthier tendon end that can then be secured to the bone.
Can a hinge brace be used for a tendon tear?
In some cases, such as acute tears of healthy tendons, the tendon can be repaired without tension, thus almost full extension. In these cases a hinge brace will not be necessary. The patient may have a soft sling for comfort but this can be weaned from as soon as they start physical therapy.
Can a tendon heal back to the bone?
This will allow the tendon to heal back to the bone (figure 2). It is important to address this injury very soon after it happens. Waiting too long may limit the chance that the surgeon can reach/pull the torn tendon all the way back to its original location.