Though not a common injury, a bicep rupture is serious and requires expert medical care from the skilled team at Texas Orthopaedic Associates in Dallas, Plano, Weatherford, Keller, and Fort Worth, Texas. Bicep rupture may occur at the elbow or shoulder due to an acute injury or overuse. Call Texas Orthopaedic Associates today or schedule an appointment online for expert bicep rupture care.
BICEP RUPTURE Q&A
What is a bicep rupture?
A bicep rupture is a complete or partial tear of the tendon that attaches the bicep muscle — the muscle in the front of the upper arm — to the bone. The tear may occur at the shoulder or the elbow. However, this type of injury most often occurs at the shoulder.
You may lose strength and mobility in the arm after a bicep rupture.
What causes a bicep rupture?
Any sudden or forceful movement that puts too much pressure on the bicep tendon may cause a bicep rupture. You may tear the tendon when lifting weights, throwing a ball, or picking up something heavy.
Overuse and age-related degenerative changes are also common causes of a bicep rupture.
Anyone can rupture their bicep, but your risk increases as you get older. People with jobs that require heavy overhead lifting are also at greater risk of a bicep rupture.
When should I get medical care for a bicep rupture?
You should get medical care for a bicep rupture immediately. When you tear the bicep tendon, you may hear or feel a sudden pop followed by a severe or sharp pain in the arm. You may also have swelling, bruising, and weakness in the arm.
The team at Texas Orthopaedic Associates conducts a thorough evaluation when you arrive with concerns regarding elbow or shoulder pain from a suspected bicep rupture. They review symptoms and examine the front of your elbow and shoulder, looking for gaps in the tendon that suggest a tear.
The team may also order imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis. Texas Orthopaedic Associates performs X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs onsite so you can get a diagnosis and treatment plan immediately.
What are the treatments for a bicep rupture?
Treatment for a bicep rupture depends on the location of the injury and the severity of your symptoms.
For a shoulder bicep rupture, the team at Texas Orthopaedic Associates may recommend conservative care like rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and physical therapy.
A bicep rupture at the elbow requires surgery. The team may also perform surgery on a tear at the shoulder if conservative care fails to ease your symptoms.
Call Texas Orthopaedic Associates today or schedule an appointment online to get expert care for your bicep rupture.