Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Fixing a broken scaphoid bone with a compression screw, and reconstructing scaphoid fractures that have failed to heal, including vascularized bone grafting.

Scaphoid Fracture Repair

Reattaching a biceps tendon that has torn from the forearm bone at the elbow, to restore the strength to turn and lift.

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Releasing or removing the thickened cords in the palm that pull fingers into a bent position, by needle release, enzyme injection or open surgery.

Dupuytren Contracture Release

Removing a fluid-filled cyst from the wrist or hand along with the stalk that connects it to the joint, to relieve pain and lower recurrence.

Ganglion Cyst Removal

Reconstructing the arthritic joint at the base of the thumb by removing the worn bone and stabilizing the thumb with a tendon or implant, to restore pain-free pinch.

Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

Nondiscrimination Accessibility Good Faith Estimate

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What it is

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

The distal biceps tendon anchors the biceps muscle to the radius bone just below the elbow.

It tears under a sudden heavy load, with a pop, bruising and a muscle that bunches up toward the shoulder.Repair reattaches the tendon to the bone with an anchor or button through a small incision at the front of the elbow. Chronic tears may need a graft.

Performed by

Toby Johnson, MD, Hand and Upper Extremity surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. JohnsonHand and Upper Extremity

J. Ryan Taylor, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. TaylorShoulder and Sports Medicine

M. Shane Frazier, DO, Hand and Upper Extremity surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. FrazierHand and Upper Extremity

or call801-640-0000

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Who It Helps

Repair fits almost any active patient, because an unrepaired tear permanently loses about forty percent of the strength to turn the palm up and some lifting strength.Repair is simplest within two to three weeks of injury, before the tendon retracts and scars. Call promptly if you suspect this injury.

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

What to Expect

Outpatient surgery under general anesthesia or a regional block, about an hour.A splint for one to two weeks, then a hinged brace.Dr. Johnson has published on distal biceps reconstruction and treats the chronic, retracted tears as well as fresh ones.A time-sensitive repair; call the day it happens and we will see you within days at either clinic. Dr. Johnson, Dr. Taylor and Dr. Frazier operate at Utah Valley Hospital and Orem Community Hospital.

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Recovery Timeline

Gentle motion begins within two weeks.No lifting for six weeks, then progressive strengthening. Most patients return to full activity, including heavy lifting, at four to six months.Supination strength returns gradually as the tendon heals into bone.

Milestones

Week 1 to 2Splint, then hinged brace

Week 2Gentle motion

Week 6Strengthening begins

Month 4 to 6Heavy lifting

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Risks and Considerations

Temporary numbness on the thumb side of the forearm is the most common issue.Bone formation in the soft tissue, re-rupture, stiffness and infection are less common. Injury to the nerve that extends the fingers is rare.Chronic repairs carry higher stiffness and nerve risks.

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Your Surgeons

Dr. Johnson, Dr. Taylor and Dr. Frazier perform this procedure at Utah Valley Hospital, Orem Community Hospital, American Fork Hospital, Mountain View Hospital and Timpanogos Regional Hospital.

Dr. Johnson, MD

Weill Cornell graduate, hand fellowship at Allegheny General. Twenty-one years in practice and seventeen as a collegiate team physician.

Dr. Taylor, MD

Dual fellowship trained in sports medicine and in shoulder and elbow surgery. Former Division I football player.

Dr. Frazier, DO

Fellowship trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. Seventeen years in practice. Fluent in Spanish.

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Related Procedures and Conditions

Cubital Tunnel Release

Rotator Cuff Repair

Distal Biceps Rupture

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330