Biceps Rupture Follow-up

  • Author: Gary L Branch, DO; Chief Editor: Robert H Meier III, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 18, 2012
 

Further Inpatient Care

  • Patients with biceps rupture, especially those who have been hospitalized for repair, rarely need inpatient rehabilitation.
  • Without adequate social support, the presence of other functional impairments or medical comorbidities may necessitate admission for compensatory strategies and/or adaptive equipment training.
  • Following admission, these patients should progress much like their counterparts with outpatient or in-home therapy.
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Further Outpatient Care

  • Patients with biceps rupture, whether treated conservatively or with surgical repair, frequently are referred to outpatient facilities for physical or occupational therapy. (See Occupational Therapy.)
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Deterrence

  • The pathophysiology of biceps rupture often is intimately related to chronic irritation, inflammation, and impingement; therefore, patients can best prevent ruptures by avoiding repetitive maneuvers and activities that predispose to tendinitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff injuries.[8, 9]
  • The avoidance of falls in which direct trauma to the muscle or tendon occurs and the reduction of incidents of rapid, heavy loading of the muscle (especially with the elbow flexed and the forearm supinated) also may be helpful in decreasing the likelihood of rupture.
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Complications

  • Possible surgical complications
  • Contractures due to excessive immobilization
  • Heterotopic ossification[26]
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Prognosis

  • The overall prognosis for biceps tendon ruptures is good for surgical repair and for conservative management. Both approaches generally result in adequate functional return to the performance of ADL, as well as to most vocational and recreational pursuits.
  • Strength deficits existing before and after repair vary.
  • Factors such as comorbid disorders, concomitant injuries, age, and time since rupture may affect eventual functional level outcomes.
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Patient Education

  • Educate patients on the importance of stretching in preparation for athletic or exertional activities and on the need to provide proper care of resultant injuries.
  • Warn patients that long-term or frequent steroid injections may weaken local tendons in the region of the injection.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Gary L Branch, DO  Mid-Michigan Orthopedics, Staff Physician, Memorial Healthcare Center.

Gary L Branch, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

J Michael Wieting, DO, MEd  Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Professor of Osteopathic Principles and Practices, Director of Program Development, Director of Sports Medicine, Associate Director of Physician Assistant Program, Department of Osteopathic Principles and Practice, Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

J Michael Wieting, DO, MEd is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Osteopathy, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American College of Sports Medicine, American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, American Osteopathic Association, American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Robert J Kaplan, MD  James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Staff Physician, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

Robert J Kaplan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Patrick M Foye, MD  Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Co-Director of Musculoskeletal Fellowship, Co-Director of Back Pain Clinic, Director of Coccyx Pain Service (Tailbone Pain Service: www.TailboneDoctor.com), University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School

Patrick M Foye, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and International Spine Intervention Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Kelly L Allen, MD  Medical Director, Medevals

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Robert H Meier III, MD  Director, Amputee Services of America; Active Medical Staff, Presbyterian/St Luke's Hospital, Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital; Consulting Staff, Kindred Hospital

Robert H Meier III, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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