Repair Distal Biceps Tendon Tears with Regenerative Medicine
What is a distal biceps tendon tear?
A distal biceps tendon tear or partial bicep tear occurs when the tendon connecting the biceps to the elbow is torn or partially torn from the bone.
Untreated tears can result in significant pain and most sufferers experience significant loss of strength in the affected arm.
While surgery for complete tears may be required, Regenerative Medicine therapies are useful in treating and healing partial biceps tears thereby helping patients avoid surgery.
Figure 1. Depiction of a partial biceps tendon tear. Overloading the biceps muscle or sudden lengthening of the contracted biceps can lead to tendon tears. Regenerative medicine therapies can help to heal partial biceps tendon tears without resorting to surgery.
Causes, Signs And Symptoms of Distal Biceps Tendon Tears
What are the symptoms of a distal biceps tendon tear?
Severe acute pain at or near the elbow or upper arm is typical of biceps tendon tear.
A full range of motion may still be possible due to compensation of other muscles, but weakness will be evident.
Other symptoms include:
- A popping noise related to the tearing of the tendon
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Weakness in elbow/shoulder
What causes bicep tendon tears?
The most common cause of bicep tendon tears is weight overload (using heavy weights in the gym) or when catching a heavy object that forces the contracted muscle to suddenly lengthen.
A distal biceps tendon rupture occurs at the insertion of the tendon into the radius and is more common than tears that occur at the tendon-muscle junction (see Figure 1).
Common causes and risk factors of distal biceps tendon tears:
- Lifting or catching heavy objects
- Lifting with improper form (e.g., without bending the elbow)
- Sex. Males injure the biceps at a much higher frequency due to behavioral tendencies.
- Corticosteroid use. Tendon weakness is a potential side effect of steroid medications.
- Age. As we age wear and tear weakens tendons.
- Repetitive motions. Occupational or sports-related movements can weaken tendons.
- Not warming up before exercise/sports
- Overhead activities
How are distal biceps tendon tears diagnosed?
Diagnosing distal biceps tendon tears is performed by our Specialists using a multipronged approach.
- Medical History: Our doctors will ask you about the nature of your biceps or elbow pain. They will ask about prior surgeries, accidents, and trauma to the biceps.
- Physical Exam: A complete tear is apparent if there is a bump on the arm near the tear. Pain under certain conditions may indicate a partial tear.
- Imaging with X-Rays or MRI: X-rays may be used to rule out other causes of bicep/shoulder/elbow pain. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) can show full or partial tendon tears.
Treatment Options
How is a distal biceps tendon tear treated?
The StemX clinic offers a range of customized Regenerative Medicine treatment solutions for tendon tears.
Wharton’s Jelly
PRP
Hyaluronic Acid/
Prolotherapy
The StemX Approach
StemX is California’s leading provider of holistic and regenerative medicine services. Our experts don’t just offer popular treatments, but customized medical solutions based on individual needs.
Located in Solana Beach, California, the StemX clinic is composed of a team of expert doctors with years of experience administering regenerative medicine treatments for joint disease. Our team has:
How To Get Started
Consultation:
Our California-based clinic intake team will match you to the appropriate provider with the expertise to treat your injury and schedule an exam.
Initial Exam:
Your doctor will take your medical history and facts surrounding your injury/complaint, conduct a physical exam, and order imaging tests (X-rays, MRI’s, etc.).
Treatment determination:
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Mark your calendar:
A date will be set for your procedure, and you will be given instructions on how to prepare for your appointment.
Treatment Procedure
While each treatment may be customized, you can expect your experience to be similar to the following:
