A biceps tendon tear can cause sudden pain, weakness, and visible changes in the shape of the arm. These injuries often occur in the shoulder or elbow and may result from trauma, heavy lifting, or repetitive strain. When a complete tear or significant loss of strength occurs, biceps repair surgery may be recommended to restore function and relieve pain.
Our practice offers advanced biceps tendon repair performed by board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons with extensive experience treating both shoulder and elbow tendon injuries.
What Is a Biceps Tendon Tear?
The biceps muscle has two tendons at the shoulder (proximal biceps) and one tendon at the elbow (distal biceps). A tear may occur in any of these locations:
- Proximal biceps tendon tear (near the shoulder)
- Distal biceps tendon rupture (near the elbow)
Distal biceps tears often cause significant weakness and usually require surgical repair, while some proximal tears may be treated non-surgically depending on symptoms and activity level.
Common Causes of Biceps Tendon Injuries
Biceps tendon tears may result from:
- Sudden heavy lifting
- Traumatic injury or fall
- Repetitive overhead or pulling motions
- Degenerative tendon wear over time
- Sports-related activities
Early evaluation is important, as some repairs are time-sensitive for best outcomes.
Symptoms of a Biceps Tendon Tear
Patients with a biceps injury may experience:
- Sudden sharp pain in the shoulder or elbow
- Bruising or swelling
- Weakness with lifting, bending the elbow, or rotating the forearm
- A visible “bulge” in the arm (often called a Popeye deformity)
- Ongoing discomfort with daily activities
Diagnosing Biceps Tendon Tears
Our specialists perform a detailed physical examination and may use advanced imaging such as X-rays or MRI to confirm the diagnosis, determine tear location, and evaluate associated injuries to the shoulder or elbow.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Some partial or proximal biceps tendon tears can be managed without surgery. Non-surgical options may include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Targeted injections
Treatment recommendations are based on your age, activity level, and functional goals.
When Is Biceps Repair Surgery Needed?
Biceps repair surgery may be recommended if:
- The tendon is completely torn
- Significant weakness affects work or sports
- Symptoms persist despite conservative treatment
- The injury involves a distal biceps rupture
Surgery involves reattaching the torn tendon to the bone using advanced techniques designed to restore strength and stability.
Benefits of Biceps Repair Surgery
- Improved arm and shoulder strength
- Reduced pain and cramping
- Restored appearance and function
- Improved ability to lift, pull, and rotate the arm
- Return to work, sports, and daily activities
Recovery After Biceps Repair
Recovery varies depending on the location and severity of the tear. Patients typically wear a brace or sling initially, followed by structured physical therapy to restore motion and strength. Most patients return to normal activities within a few months, with continued improvement over time.
Biceps Repair Surgery in Dallas–Fort Worth
We proudly provide biceps tendon repair surgery at multiple convenient locations throughout North Texas, including:
- Dallas
- Plano
- Fort Worth
- Weatherford
- Keller
No matter which location you visit, you’ll receive expert care from board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes.
Schedule a Biceps Repair Consultation
If arm pain or weakness is limiting your daily activities, early diagnosis and expert care can make a significant difference.
Contact us today to schedule a biceps tendon evaluation and learn whether biceps repair surgery is right for you.
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.