The biceps tendon is the structure that connects the biceps muscle to the bone. There is a proximal biceps tendon at the shoulder joint, and a distal biceps tendon at the elbow.
What is a biceps tendon rupture?
A biceps tendon rupture is an injury that occurs to the biceps tendon causing the attachment to separate from the bone. A normal biceps tendon is connected strongly to the bone. When the biceps tendon ruptures, this tendon is detached.
Following a biceps tendon rupture, the muscle cannot pull on the bone, and certain movements may be weakened and painful.
There are two types of biceps tendon ruptures:
- Proximal Biceps Tendon Ruptures
A proximal biceps tendon rupture is an injury to the biceps tendon at the shoulder joint. This injury type is the most common type of biceps tendon injury. It is most common in patients over 60 years of age, and often causes minimal symptoms. More about proximal biceps tendon ruptures... - Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures
The distal biceps tendon is injured around the elbow joint. This is usually an injury that occurs with heavy lifting or sports in middle-aged men. Most patients with a distal biceps rupture will have surgery to repair the torn tendon. More about distal biceps tendon ruptures...