Distal Biceps Ruptures

Popeye deformity of distal biceps tendon rupture

Distal biceps ruptures are a common injury. Often occurring when someone lifts an object that is too heavy like a coffee table or a couch. Patient will often feel a pop in the elbow which is accompanied by a obvious deformity of the biceps rolling up the arm and bruising on the inside of the arm.

Though we often confirm the diagnosis with an MRI or an ultrasound, usually the clinical history and physical exam are enough.

It is important to fix these injuries early as they do much better. An injury that is older than three weeks is difficult to fix and may often need use of a cadaveric allograft tendon to bridge the gap.

If you lift something heavy, feel a pop and have bruising in your arm, don’t delay. Call your hand surgeon right away to get seen for an urgent appointment.