What is the most common complication after distal biceps tendon repair at the elbow?
One common complication after distal biceps tendon repair surgery is numbness and/or tingling on the thumb side of the forearm below the incision. There is a skin nerve that is very near the surgical field called the Lateral Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve (LACN).
What is recovery time for distal 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. Most people who work at a desk job can return to work in 1 to 2 weeks.
Is distal bicep surgery safe?
Rerupture of the distal biceps tendon after repair is uncommon with either technique, and the risk of all complications seems to increase with a delay in surgical intervention after rupture.
What nerve is most commonly injured during distal biceps tendon repair?
The most common nerves involved are typically the lateral antebrachial cutaneous (LABC) nerve, anterior interosseous nerve (AIN), posterior interosseous nerve (PIN), median, radial, and ulnar nerves.
How long does distal bicep surgery take?
Surgery usually takes about 1 hour. The tendon is repaired through a small incision in the front of the elbow. Sometimes, a second incision in the back of the elbow may be needed. After surgery, a splint or brace is used to protect the repair for a short time while it heals.
How do you strengthen the distal bicep tendon?
Biceps Stretch With your palm down, raise the arm on your injured side and touch the thumb side of your hand to the wall. Make sure your arm is straight, and then turn your body away from your raised arm until you feel a stretch in the biceps. Hold this stretch for about 15 seconds. Rest, and then complete 2 more reps.
How long does it take for a tendon to heal after surgery?
Recovery and care after surgery 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.
How do they repair a torn bicep tendon?
Distal biceps tendon ruptures typically require surgical fixation to restore range of motion and strength to the elbow. This procedure is an open surgical procedure which can be performed on an outpatient basis. The goal is to reattach the tendon to the radius bone using either sutures or anchor with sutures.
What are the most common complications of distal biceps tendon repair?
The most common complication after distal biceps tendon repair is neurapraxia of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.
What’s the best way to repair the distal biceps?
Modern techniques to repair the distal biceps tendon include one-incision and 2-incision techniques that use transosseous sutures, suture anchors, interference screws, and/or cortical buttons to achieve a strong repair of the distal biceps brachii.
Can a ruptured biceps tendon cause unsightly scars?
Nonoperative treatment of a retracted ruptured biceps tendon may lead to a change in contour of the anterior arm. Although the contour may be reestablished with operative treatment, scars on the anterior arm may prove to be unsightly for some patients.
Can a person return to work after biceps tendon surgery?
Although there may be small measurable deficits in power, endurance, and terminal forearm rotation when carefully evaluated, most of the patients regain near normal upper extremity motion and function and can return to preinjury activities.
