Each year, about 1 in 100,000 people experience a torn bicep tendon, with almost 90% of cases affecting the dominant arm. Generally, if the tendon is completely torn, surgery is recommended to avoid a loss of strength. However, knowing “when is it too late to repair a torn bicep tendon” is compulsory. So you don’t run out of time.
Understanding a Torn Bicep Tendon?
The biceps muscle connects to the bones with three tendons: two at the shoulder and one at the elbow. The tendon at the elbow called the distal biceps tendon, connects to a part of the radius bone near the elbow joint, known as the radial tuberosity. Therefore, a torn bicep tendon, also called a biceps tear or rupture, means damage to one of these tendons that link the biceps muscle to the shoulder or elbow bones. This injury can be partial or complete and can impact how well the muscle works.
Is a Torn Bicep an Emergency?
A torn bicep tendon is not life-threatening, but it’s important to get medical help quickly. Although it can be very painful, it doesn’t pose an immediate risk to life, so it’s not classified as a medical emergency. However, you must book an appointment with Dr. Gombera of Mufaddal Gombera, M.D. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training, specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and shoulder, hip, and knee injuries.
Waiting too long may complicate the injury and make surgery, if needed, more challenging. Symptoms of a torn bicep tendon include sudden pain, a popping sensation, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the arm.
Can a Torn Bicep Be Repaired Years Later?
Repairing a torn bicep tendon long after the injury can be difficult but may still be possible, depending on the injury and the tendon’s condition. The following is what to consider:
- Delayed Surgery: Ideally, surgery to repair a torn bicep tendon should be done within 3 weeks. After this time, the tendon can start to pull back and fray, making reattachment harder. In delayed cases, more complex techniques like tendon grafting may be needed if the tendon has shortened too much.
Delayed Torn Bicep Tendon Repair Options
If surgery is done years after the injury, options may include:
- Tenodesis: Attaching the tendon stump to nearby muscles, like the brachialis, to restore some function, mainly flexion, though not rotation (supination).
- Tendon Grafting: To fully restore function, a graft might be needed to replace the damaged part of the tendon.
Bicep Tendon Surgery Recovery Time
It might take 4 months or longer to fully heal after the surgery. However, it’s a gradual process, starting the day after the surgery. Your arm will be in a splint or elbow brace for 4 to 6 weeks, and you may also need a sling for about a week. You might feel tired and have some pain for a few days, and your arm may be swollen, but the swelling should gradually decrease each day.
Rehabilitation (rehab) begins once the splint or brace is removed and usually lasts about 2 months. It typically takes 3 to 4 months for the bicep muscle to heal fully. You may be able to do simple daily tasks in 2 to 3 weeks as long as you don’t use your injured arm.
Most people with desk jobs can return to work in 1 to 2 weeks, but if your job involves lifting, pushing, or pulling, it may take 3 to 4 months or longer before you can return. Recovery time depends on your injury and how well your rehab progresses.
Closing Note
The answer to the question, “When is it too late to repair a torn bicep tendon?” depends on your condition. Leaving it untreated is an option. Other muscles can compensate over time, but the arm may appear permanently smaller, and there is typically a lasting decrease in supination strength, affecting movements like using a screwdriver.
Visit Dr. Gombera at Mufaddal Gombera, MD. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon offers expert care using advanced treatments to accelerate recovery and often avoid the need for surgery. Call us at (713) 794-3457 to book an appointment.
