Distal bicep tendon tear

So i completely ruptured my left bicep tendon 5 yrs ago. Repair done and 100%. 10 days ago I partially tore my right distal bicep tendon. Ortho doc thinks it could heal on its own.

I do have a very physical career. Firefighter. I also lift weights and am an avid mtn biker.

Just asking if any member has had a tear similar to my situation and what did the doc do to repair it? I am not a keyboard warrior anmd use my body to its potential.

Are you happy and trusting of the option you chose? Did you do Prp? Heal on own? Surgery?

thanks in advance.

 

I am dealing with something similar. Tore BOTH my right and left proximal bicep tendons along with the labrum last year. I tried PT for 9 months before getting the right fixed with a Bicep Tenodesis. I’m 3 months post surgery and it’s been a rollercoaster for sure. The pain from the original injury is mostly gone now, but the amount of muscle atrophy is insane. I have pain in all sorts of new places in the arm, but I’m hoping it’s just the muscles regaining strength. The doctor is saying probably 1 year out from full strength.

Soon I’ll have to decide if I’m getting the same done on the left.

***I will say I wish I had just gotten the surgery done as soon as possible instead of wasting 9 months on PT. But I didn’t have a choice***


I also have the same hobbies and a physical career. I say get it fixed before it develops into something worse, or a complete tear. You don’t seem like the type of person that wants to have to “take it easy” for the best of your life.

 

I feel for you. I can’t imagine 2 at the same time. I wish it was my proximal bicep. Good luck with the recovery. I’m looking for distal info.

also like you. I can’t take it easy. I have 1 life and I use my body to its fullest.

 

Ruptured mine exactly 10 years ago this weekend.

Here are my thoughts. It will not "heal" on it's own. It will become non-painful, but also non-functioning. Repair largely depends on age, profession, and hobbies. If you're a wrench or screw turner, I would get it repaired. If your healthy under 60, I would get it fixed. Over 60, but tinker on cars or swing golf clubs, then get it fixed. I would find a fellowship trained hand or upper extremity (shoulder and hand)specialist. General ortho may not consider it worth fixing, because it's not necessary for most activities, but definitively affects ability to supinate, i.e. turn screws.

Ortho Hand covers elbow to finger tips. Proximal biceps is different and there are two heads, so rupturing one still leaves a functioning biceps and rarely requires repair.

 

I have one of the nations leading elbow surgeons and he’s recommended to let it heal on its own. He knows my whole story and what I do. Anyone do prp? I am leaning toward him snipping it and a 5 month recovery.