Surgical procedures
Distal biceps repairs
Reattaching the torn distal biceps tendon at the elbow to restore the strength to bend the elbow and rotate the forearm.
Elbow tendon repair
Outpatient
Restores strength
What is a distal biceps repair?
The distal biceps tendon anchors the biceps muscle to the forearm bone at the elbow, powering bending the elbow and turning the palm upward. When it ruptures, it loses its attachment and the muscle retracts.
A distal biceps repair reattaches the tendon to the bone, restoring strength. It is best performed within the first few weeks, before the tendon scars and shortens.
What & why
Why it's recommended
A complete distal biceps rupture in an active patient
Loss of bending and rotation strength at the elbow
A recent injury, ideally repaired within weeks
A patient seeking full restoration of arm strength
At a glance
Repair early
Distal biceps repairs are most straightforward and effective when done soon after the injury, before the tendon retracts.
Anesthesia & hospital stay
The day of surgery
The procedure takes about an hour. You'll be fully asleep, often with a regional block for the arm.
General anesthesia
Completely asleep, often with a regional arm block.
About 1 hour
A focused, efficient procedure at the elbow.
Home same day
Distal biceps repair is an outpatient procedure.
Outpatient setting
Performed at Summit Atlantic Surgery Center or Overlook.
Recovery timeline & milestones
What recovery looks like
Recovery protects the repair while motion and strength return in stages.
Protect
A splint or brace protects the repair early on.
Restore motion
Therapy gradually returns elbow motion in a protected range.
Strengthen
Progressive strengthening rebuilds bending and rotation power.
Full use
A staged return to lifting and full activity.
Risks & benefits
Weighing the procedure
- Restores bending and rotation strength
- Corrects the change in arm contour
- A focused, outpatient procedure
- Best results when done early
- Temporary numbness near the incision
- Stiffness during recovery
- Heterotopic bone formation, uncommon
- Infection or re-rupture, uncommon
Treats these conditions
This procedure treats distal biceps ruptures at the elbow.
FAQ
Common questions
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Ideally within the first few weeks of the injury, before the tendon retracts and scars, which makes the repair more difficult.
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Most patients regain excellent bending and rotation strength after repair and a staged rehabilitation.
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A splint protects the repair for the first week or two, after which therapy begins gradually restoring motion.
Related conditions