Distal bicep tendon repair
Discussion
I lifted the (empty) roof box off the car yesterday, felt an excruciating popping in my elbow which, according to the doctor and Google is likely a tear in the tendon holding my bicep to my forearm. My bicep is now floppy and drooped on the inside… it’s not painful but movement is quite restricted and twisting motions (opening a door knob or jar) are a no-no.
It seems surgery is most likely needed at my age (46 and active) which is a blow - I have had 2 ACL grafts and found the recovery challenging.
Has anybody done similar? How was it? I’m no powerlifter but keep fit and active and have young children to entertain.
How do you choose a surgeon? I’m got healthcare so get some choice if they are on the books.
It seems surgery is most likely needed at my age (46 and active) which is a blow - I have had 2 ACL grafts and found the recovery challenging.
Has anybody done similar? How was it? I’m no powerlifter but keep fit and active and have young children to entertain.
How do you choose a surgeon? I’m got healthcare so get some choice if they are on the books.
I did this so did a mate of mine. Recovery is not so bad after the plaster trough thing come off. That can be uncomfortable. There is a risk of sensitivity along the top of your arm afterwards. Mine was 13cm away from where it should be but still reattached OK. Involves tugging the tendon through a hole in the bone and putting a button on the other side to secure.
The button clicks a bit on mine but I had to wait 2 months to get it operated on as I did mine just after an MI and a stent and the anaesthetist lacked a sense of adventure.
If you are anywhere near Chertsey I can let you have my surgeons number. He is great.
The button clicks a bit on mine but I had to wait 2 months to get it operated on as I did mine just after an MI and a stent and the anaesthetist lacked a sense of adventure.
If you are anywhere near Chertsey I can let you have my surgeons number. He is great.
I was 57 when I tore mine, use 2 hands to lift the washing machine would be my advice, my mate was 56. My surgeon tells me it's common amongst professional rugby players. Just look for the tell tale scar on their arm he says. There are not many of them over 80 
The lasting advice was "don't test it'.
The lasting advice was "don't test it'.
I had the operation yesterday as a day case - 2 hours under and another hour in recovery with plenty of morphine.
MRI showed c70% tear and 4cm retraction which has now been ‘made new’ and reattached through the bone with a button. 3.5 weeks post injury and surgeon thought it went well.
Feeling sore but manageable - the wound is wrapped up well but no cast or splint and some elbow movement already (full by 6 weeks apparently). I’ve a sling to use when needed (when the kids are jumping around mainly!).
Will update on recovery if anybody is interested. Not an injury I’d recommend tbh so careful what you lift at full extension!
MRI showed c70% tear and 4cm retraction which has now been ‘made new’ and reattached through the bone with a button. 3.5 weeks post injury and surgeon thought it went well.
Feeling sore but manageable - the wound is wrapped up well but no cast or splint and some elbow movement already (full by 6 weeks apparently). I’ve a sling to use when needed (when the kids are jumping around mainly!).
Will update on recovery if anybody is interested. Not an injury I’d recommend tbh so careful what you lift at full extension!
I hope you recover quickly.
I have had bicep tendonitis for around six months. It is gradually getting better, but it is very frustrating and some days my upper arm aches a lot.
It took a while to be able to get dressed without pain.
I can do some movements without a problem, but I'm still unable to do a pressup without pain (I have started doing easier variations to try to give my chest some exercise). I recently did a pullup from a deadhang (just to see what happened), but there was pain afterwards and the following day.
I have had bicep tendonitis for around six months. It is gradually getting better, but it is very frustrating and some days my upper arm aches a lot.
It took a while to be able to get dressed without pain.
I can do some movements without a problem, but I'm still unable to do a pressup without pain (I have started doing easier variations to try to give my chest some exercise). I recently did a pullup from a deadhang (just to see what happened), but there was pain afterwards and the following day.
Mr bandage fell off this morning (putting the vets glove on to shower in 
) - it looks pretty tidy, but is all wrapped up again now until 12th.
Amazing the difference in treatment after surgery - I’ve read of people in casts, braces and splints - I got cotton wool and a tubi-grip
I’m pretty much pain free now - it’s quite stiff to move and I’m treating it very gingerly.
I’ve been told to regain range of movement over the next 6 weeks then start on strength work (with the physio).
After the operation my hand was numb and I couldnt move my thumb and forefinger (the guitarist in me was twitching) but that seems to have resolved itself now, so I assume it was swelling acting on nerves. I’m working very hard to not lift anything with the affected arm, although they did say a cup of coffee is probably fine, but not the kettle.
Quick snap before rewrapping:
) - it looks pretty tidy, but is all wrapped up again now until 12th. Amazing the difference in treatment after surgery - I’ve read of people in casts, braces and splints - I got cotton wool and a tubi-grip
I’m pretty much pain free now - it’s quite stiff to move and I’m treating it very gingerly.
I’ve been told to regain range of movement over the next 6 weeks then start on strength work (with the physio).
After the operation my hand was numb and I couldnt move my thumb and forefinger (the guitarist in me was twitching) but that seems to have resolved itself now, so I assume it was swelling acting on nerves. I’m working very hard to not lift anything with the affected arm, although they did say a cup of coffee is probably fine, but not the kettle.
Quick snap before rewrapping:
Ouch - that bruising looks familiar, as does the description of the pain!
Good luck for the operation!
My recovery has been a bit up and down (more dull pain now than last week for example), but fairly smooth so far and I’ve got the use of my hand/arm back (now 10 days post op) but no lifting allowed for a while yet.
Good luck for the operation!
My recovery has been a bit up and down (more dull pain now than last week for example), but fairly smooth so far and I’ve got the use of my hand/arm back (now 10 days post op) but no lifting allowed for a while yet.
Maxf said:
Ouch - that bruising looks familiar, as does the description of the pain!
Good luck for the operation!
My recovery has been a bit up and down (more dull pain now than last week for example), but fairly smooth so far and I’ve got the use of my hand/arm back (now 10 days post op) but no lifting allowed for a while yet.
CheersGood luck for the operation!
My recovery has been a bit up and down (more dull pain now than last week for example), but fairly smooth so far and I’ve got the use of my hand/arm back (now 10 days post op) but no lifting allowed for a while yet.
Glad to hear you are back on the road to recovery.
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