• Sudden pain in the front of the elbow 

• A popping sensation at injury 

• Bruising and swelling 

• Weakness with lifting 

• Weakness turning the palm upward 

Treatment may include: 

• Rest from lifting or pulling activity 

• Ice to reduce pain and swelling 

• Activity modification 

• Physical therapy 

• Strengthening of surrounding muscles 

• Rarely indicated, but may be appropriate for lower-demand patients 

Surgical Treatment 

Surgery may be recommended depending on the injury, symptoms, activity level, and response to non-surgical care. Surgical options may include: 

• Distal biceps repair: Reattaching the torn tendon to the radius bone using sutures, buttons, anchors, or screws. This can be performed through 1 incision or 2 incisions, which is dependent on surgeon preference and injury pattern.  

• Reconstruction for chronic tears: If the tendon retracts or the tendon tears from the muscle and cannot be repaired directly, a reconstruction with a donor tissue may be used.