Definition

A rupture of the biceps tendon refers to the severing of the short or long head of the biceps tendon in proximity of the shoulder joint, or the distal end of the biceps tendon near the elbow.

Pathology

The biceps muscle is the largest muscle of the upper arm, which is used when bending the arm or lifting weights. The biceps tendons connect the biceps muscle to the shoulder and the elbow. The upper biceps tendon has two endings, one that connects to the glenoid (long head) and the other to the coracoid process (short head). The lower part of the biceps has one tendon inserting to the elbow.

The rupture of any section of the biceps tendon can be complete or partial. The long head of the biceps tendon is more frequently subjected to rupture than the short head. A complete tear of the proximal long head biceps tendon is visible through the formation of a bump of the biceps at the elbow. The rupture of the distal biceps tendon is located near the elbow. In this case the biceps muscle retracts towards the shoulder joint. The patient is unable to flex the elbow and has difficulties to supinate (turn hand upwards). A rupture to the biceps tendon can be determined by other pathologies including chronic biceps tendonitis, shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injury.

Causes

A repetitive and prolonged use of the shoulder and upper arm may fray the biceps tendons. This leads to the development of tendon inflammation or tendonitis, followed by an initial partial tear, possibly leading to a complete rupture of the tendon when executing a sudden and strenuous movement. A tendon rupture severely impairs the use of the arm. The causes leading to a biceps tendon rupture are:

Tear of the rotator cuff

Shoulder instability

Joint stiffness particularly of the elbow

Lack of, or excessive training

Inadequate warm up

Weakness of the muscles  

Tightness of the biceps

Risk factors

A rupture to the biceps tendon is more frequent in males above 35 years of age. Sports and professions involving strenuous activities of the shoulders and arms represent the main risk factors for this pathology. In addition, the ageing process per se with the weakening of all tendons and muscles is a significant risk factor for biceps tendon rupture. Professions and sports posing risk for his pathology include:

Weightlifting

Swimming

Tennis

Baseball

Carpentry

Symptoms

Symptoms of a biceps tendon rupture include:

Sudden, sharp pain sometimes accompanied by a snap or pop

Formation of bruise extending to the lower arm

Presence of a hump especially when contracting the arm

Weakness of the arm and shoulder

Impairment in rotating the arm

All these symptoms are less evident with partial tear of the biceps tendon.

Treatment

Nonoperative treatment

Conservative treatment is the most frequent option even in complete tear of the biceps tendons. It is recommended the following:  

Rest from any sport activities

Application of ice pads

Administration of NSAIDs

Physical therapy

Surgical treatment

If severe deformity or weakness occur or in case of specific professions, surgery is required. The procedure consists in re-attaching the tendon to the bone. When the rupture of the biceps tendon has occurred weeks before the diagnosis, the tendon needs to be retrieved surgically prior to being attached to the bone.