Thank you for all this information. I will be having rotator cuff and bicep tendon surgery on Thursday June 25th. This information will help me get prepared. Thank you so much ! I will have a positive attitude during all of this and will do exactly what I am asked to do. Thanks so much !
Good luck. Rotator cuff surgery commonly involves the proximal biceps attachment in the shoulder. This video discusses rehab after a distal biceps repair. Be sure to get your protocol clarified with your surgeon. Best wishes.
Sorry for delay... Each surgeon will have their own post operative rehab protocol. I would be sure and clarify your specific program. With that said, I usually allow patient's to start resistance training at 8 weeks after surgery. Patient's should start light and slowly increase the weight, reps etc. It is helpful to do this under the supervision of a therapist. Your surgeon should be monitoring your progress. I hope your rehab is going well! _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Please understand that this does not represent the formation of a formal doctor patient relationship and is for educational purposes only. All comments should be considered as informal suggestions regarding any matters of medical care. Please also be aware that this is a public forum and any information you share is not secure.
I'm proud of you doctor. I live in Turkey. I was examined by one of the best surgeons. I have MRI results. My distal biceps tendon is completely ruptured. I am an active athlete. The surgeon said that he did not even want to do this surgery to his brother, since 56 days had passed. I am confused what to do. I'm curious about your advice. I can send you my mri images (in dicom format). Can you help me ?
Yusuf, I am sorry to hear about your injury. Usually the MRI will be very clear regarding an injury to the distal biceps tendon. A complete rupture can result in significant supination (forearm rotating the palm upward) weakness. While it is much easier to repair the biceps tendon the earlier you do it, it is still possible to repair even at 56 days out (and beyond) from injury. There are various factors that will influence how easy it is to repair. If the tendon is retracted up the arm, it will be more difficult but still possible. If the tendon is too retracted you can add a graft (donor tissue or the patient's own tissue) to supplement the repair. A surgeon should definitely feel comfortable with surgery around the elbow before performing a subacute/chronic rupture and should have the know-how to add graft in situations were a lot of time has passed from the date of injury. Perhaps a second opinion is in order if possible? ___________________________________________________________________________ Please understand that this does not represent the formation of a formal doctor patient relationship and is for educational purposes only. All comments should be considered as informal suggestions regarding any matters of medical care. Please also be aware that this is a public forum and any information you share is not secure.
Hello I know this video is a bit old but I had a question sir. I'm right about 15 days post op as of today. I'm currently wearing the arm brace at 90°. My surgeon is very conservative and said not to use the hand at all. I'm a super active person and I was wondering if those exercises are okay to do at this point? Nothing about weights just want to be able to pronate and supinate my arm. At this point, I could rotate my arm with palm face down and I have a little tightness but rotating my arm with palm up, I have a bit of issues and it hurts and also, feel the tendon sorta tight. Any advice on how to move with this before my next appointment?
Pedro, Usually I will start motion around 7 - 10 days after surgery. Please keep in mind each surgeon will likely have their own post surgical program. The patient needs to check with their surgeon and make sure they are on the right rehab program. _______________________________________________________________________ Please understand that this does not represent the formation of a formal doctor patient relationship and is for educational purposes only. All comments should be considered as informal suggestions regarding any matters of medical care. Please also be aware that this is a public forum and any information you share is not secure.
Dr. I am 10 ten days post op and these stretches are in line with what my surgeon had suggested. I forgot to ask my doc about helping around the house specifically with my 19 month old child. Meaning picking him out of the crib and lifting in and out of a car seat. He is 30 pounds and the tear happened on my non dominat arm. Any advice?
David, Thanks for your question and sorry for the delay getting back to you. I would not lift your son with your operative arm. I also would not put any weight through your arm at this time. Some surgeons tend to move quickly with rehab after this repair. My personal preference is to go slow and avoid lifting anything at your current point postop. Please reach out to your surgeon for clarification of your postoperative protocol. Please understand that this does not represent the formation of a formal doctor patient relationship and is for educational purposes only. All comments should be considered as informal suggestions regarding any matters of medical care. Please also be aware that this is a public forum and any information you share is not secure.
Gary, I personally start motion around day 7 - 10 from surgery. I will sometimes modify this based on different factors. Surgeons will often have their own protocols after surgery. If you have recently had surgery, be sure and clarify your postop rehab with your surgeon. _______________________________________________________________________ Please understand that this does not represent the formation of a formal doctor patient relationship and is for educational purposes only. All comments should be considered as informal suggestions regarding any matters of medical care. Please also be aware that this is a public forum and any information you share is not secure.
Hi there, There are different techniques that have been utilized to repair a distal biceps. This can be anything from the endobutton as you mention to an interference screw or both at the same time. In some cases, surgeons have tied the sutures securing the tendon across the radius (forearm bone the biceps attaches to) through tunnels in the bone I would be reluctant to say if one was better than the other but I personally prefer the combined interference screw and button technique. ___________________________________________________________________________ Please understand that this does not represent the formation of a formal doctor patient relationship and is for educational purposes only. All comments should be considered as informal suggestions regarding any matters of medical care. Please also be aware that this is a public forum and any information you share is not secure.
Hello sir, I just had surgery to reattach my distal bicep tendon 7 days ago. The tendon was sutured to the titanium button and was pulled through a drill hole in the bone, as I understand the technique that was used. Does the tendon reattach to the bone inside the bone as well as have the anchor? Are the sutures and anchor permanent, or do the sutures dissolve over time? Thank you so much.
@givemetruthandpeace, Good question. The technique you describe is a fairly common technique. In addition, some surgeons will add a screw (not metal) to compress the tendon into the bone socket as well. The tendon diameter is measured and a socket around the same size is then drilled (often 7 - 8mm). The tendon will heal to the bone within the socket. The tendon does not heal to the button. The button sits on the side of the bone opposite the tendon. The sutures and the button used are typically permanent but do not need to be removed. _________________________________________________________________________ Please understand that this does not represent the formation of a formal doctor patient relationship and is for educational purposes only. All comments should be considered as informal suggestions regarding any matters of medical care. Please also be aware that this is a public forum and any information you share is not secure.
How many weeks post surgery should these exercise be started I’m still wearing my sling and my arm is at 90° it’s been five days I haven’t had the stitches taken out
Every surgeon is different and may approach their postop rehab differently. I will typically start motion by 2 weeks. Just be sure to check with your surgeon regarding the specific program. There may be reasons to avoid early motion in certain situations. ___________________________________________________________________________ Please understand that this does not represent the formation of a formal doctor patient relationship and is for educational purposes only. All comments should be considered as informal suggestions regarding any matters of medical care. Please also be aware that this is a public forum and any information you share is not secure.
There is not a particular number of times a day you should do it, but I usually say 3 times a day or so for about 10 - 15 min per session. Number of reps doesn't really matter at this point. This is an exercise done early in the rehab. When you get to more advanced strengthening exercise the "sets" and "reps" will matter more.
Hi James, For a standard distal biceps repair, my patients usually start around post-op day 7 - 10. Every surgeon is a little different so be sure and double check exactly what your doctor wants to do.
@@JeffreyWittyMD thanks doc my follow up appointment is next Tuesday not sure how standard mine was he had to cut an extra vertically 3 inches up my bicep because it retracted a lot or something so thanks for the info
Doc i think i have a partial distal bicep repture.I tore 6-8 months ago and 3 months ago i felt a buldge in the arm again.I under 20.Is it possible to get a surgery.It looks looks normal now except the bicep is a little high
I would make an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon f you think you have torn your distal biceps. In your case a MRI would likely be helpful as well. If you are young and / or active, a complete distal biceps tear can significantly reduce your forearm strength.
@@tiger1259 Significant loss of elbow flexion and supination (rotation of the forearm) strength can occur. One journal article suggests 8 - 36% loss of flexion strength and 21 - 55% loss of supination strength with complete tears. Partial tears can be initially treated without surgery but many people end of having surgery because of continued pain and loss of function. The the best way to make this distinction would be to see an orthopaedic surgeon promptly.
@@tiger1259 A partial tear is a tear where some of the tendon is still attached to the bone. In this specific situation a repair months after the injury can be achieved. I want to emphasize that this is for partial tears which usually do not have any retraction of the tendon or muscle up the arm.
Hey doc, i had a distal bicep repair about 5 weeks ago, mobility is great, minimal pain in all mobility excersises. i was working on my motorbike today when it fell on its side and i hurried to pick it back up using both my arms to lift it back up onto its stand, then i realised my arm... now theres dull pain in my arm, do you think i damaged anything?
Good morning, It's hard to tell if you damaged anything, but the way you describe what happened I would be concerned for a repeat injury to your healing biceps repair. I would suggest you reach out to your surgeon to have this checked out ASAP. Good luck! _______________________________________________________________________ Please understand that this does not represent the formation of a formal doctor patient relationship and is for educational purposes only. All comments should be considered as informal suggestions regarding any matters of medical care. Please also be aware that this is a public forum and any information you share is not secure. All patients have been consented for use of any imaging, video, or other media.
@@VirtuosoX1 That’s crazy it should not have torn like that again did you have the end of button repair or the anchor repair technique it makes a difference I heard
does these exercises work with an injured tendon , I injured both distal tendons of my arms and its been a little over a month the pain got less but I can't fully open them yet and its uncomftable with needle like pain in where the tendons are when I try to fully extend my arms so I'm basicly walking around like a t Rex , so in your opinion doctor would these exercises help me regain my tendon flexibility ? I asked around they said the tendon lost its flexibility after taking so long to heal .
RIP, The answer to your question really depends on the extent of the injury. A complete distal biceps rupture where the tendon is totally torn from the bone will likely result in substantial loss of forearm rotational strength and that needs to be evaluated asap with a MRI and an ortho surgeon. For partial or incomplete tears, the quick answer to your question is "yes" these can help restore motion. However, if sufficient concern exists, I usually move toward a MRI in these situations as well. This allows accurate characterization of the injury and appropriate counseling of the patient regarding their options. Just a simple "strain" of the muscle can be stretched out with these exercises. Given the description you have provided, I would highly recommend seeing an ortho surgeon who treats these injuries for a complete evaluation that would consist of a physical exam, x rays, and potentially MRI. ___________________________________________________________________________ Please understand that this does not represent the formation of a formal doctor patient relationship and is for educational purposes only. All comments should be considered as informal suggestions regarding any matters of medical care. Please also be aware that this is a public forum and any information you share is not secure.
Jeff, Every surgeon has their own postop protocol. There are some situations where the protocol may be adjusted based on the repair performed. Please clarify your protocol with your surgeon. The link to the one I typically use is below: www.drjeffreywitty.com/pdf/distal-biceps-tendon-repair-postop-protocol.pdf
Hello, This video is for education on how to perform stretches after a distal biceps surgical repair. These injuries are typically treated with surgery in active and healthy individuals. _________________________________________________________________________ Please understand that this does not represent the formation of a formal doctor patient relationship and is for educational purposes only. All comments should be considered as informal suggestions regarding any matters of medical care. Please also be aware that this is a public forum and any information you share is not secure. All patients have been consented for use of any imaging, video, or other media.
