Distal Biceps Rupture | Biceps Tendon Surgery | Vail, Colorado

Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeon, Dr. Peter Millett is an expert in treating ruptures of the distal tendon of the biceps muscle (tendon attaching to the forearm). This injury accounts for approximately 1.2 cases per 100,000 patients per year. The dominant extremity is involved 86% of the time and smokers seem to have 7.5 time higher risk of a tendon rupture. The biceps muscle plays an important role in flexing the elbow. The mechanism of injury of this type of tendon rupture is not well understood. Both mechanical mechanisms as well as limited vascularization (blood supply) of the tendon are likely to play a role. Distal biceps tendon ruptures present with an initial tearing sensation accompanied by acute pain; weakness may follow. The hook test is very reliable for diagnosing ruptures (the examiner 'hooks' his index finger around the torn tendon', and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide information about the integrity and possible degeneration of the tendon. More about me: http://drmillett.com.