Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 2 min read

Patient Tools

Read, save, and share this guide

Use these quick tools to make this medical article easier to read, print, save, or share with a family member.

Article Summary

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Biceps, also termed as the biceps brachii, refers to the thick muscle that lies in front part of the upper arm. It is connected both to the shoulder and the elbow by two different tendons that help attach muscles to the bones. The tendons are made up of collagen which gives them flexibility and a high tensile strength. The tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the elbow is called the Distal Biceps Tendon. It connects the biceps to the radius bone which forms a part of the forearm. Tearing of this tendon and its detachment from the bone is referred to as Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture. In some cases the ruptured tendon may retract and pull towards the shoulder. The condition is mostly observed in men over 35 years of age and sportspersons such as weight lifters as well as body builders.

Causes

Catching a heavy object falling from a height
Tendonitis or weakening of tendons over a period of time may make them susceptible to ruptures
Lifting heavy weights with the elbow bent

Symptoms

Pain near the elbow
A popping sound at the time of injury
In case of a complete rupture, a hollow may be created near the elbow as the tendon retracts
A lump may be formed in the upper arm
Weakness may be felt in the arm
Limited range of motion
Difficulty in rotating the arm
Swelling
Bruising or discoloration
Muscle spasms in the arm
A feeling of warmth may spread in the elbow joint

Diagnosis

Clinical observation of the injured arm
MRI scan
X-ray imaging to check for bone damage or displacement
Evaluation of the patient’s medical history

Treatment
Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture can be treated both surgically and non-surgically.

Non-surgical or conservative methods may include:

Use of a sling to support the elbow
Prescription of infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory medicines
Physical therapy to strengthen the supporting muscles
Resting the elbow and avoiding any stressful activity
Applying ice packs

Surgical methods of treatment include:

Direct Repair– The loose end of the tendon may be repaired and attached back to the elbow joint by making two incisions in the arm (at the front and back) above the elbow
Suture Anchor Method which involves attaching the torn tendon to the radius bone by inserting a suture anchor
Surgical reconstruction of the damaged tendon may be done by extracting a part of another tendon within the body

Patient safety assistant

Check your symptom safely

Hi, I am RX Symptom Navigator. I can help you understand what to read next and what warning signs need care.

Warning: Do not use this in emergencies, pregnancy, severe illness, or as a substitute for a doctor. For children or teens, use with a parent/guardian and clinician.

A rural-friendly guide: warning signs, when to see a doctor, related articles, tests to discuss, and OTC safety education.

1 Symptom 2 Severity 3 Safe guidance

First safety question

Is there chest pain, breathing trouble, fainting, confusion, severe bleeding, stroke-like weakness, severe injury, or pregnancy danger sign?

Choose quickly

All symptoms

Browse by body area

Start here: Write or select a symptom. The guide will show warning signs, doctor guidance, diagnostic tests to discuss, OTC safety education, and related RX articles.

Important: This tool is educational only. It cannot diagnose, treat, or replace a doctor. OTC information is not a prescription. In an emergency, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area from the RX Article Professional Blocks panel.