Distal Bicep Tendon Repair

UW Health Sports Medicine · UW Health Sports Rehabilitation; UW Health Sports Medicine physician group

Weight-Bearing

N/A (elbow surgery)

Key Restrictions

Splint at 90° neutral forearm 10-14 days; extension block set by surgeon based on repair tension, progressed 10°/week by PT; avoid shoulder extension Phases II-III; no eccentric biceps until Phase IV; 5 lb active shoulder lifting restriction Phase II; RTS with <15% strength difference and surgeon/PT clearance

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-2 wks): splint at 90° neutral, no rehab appointments; Phase II (2-4 wks): PROM flexion/supination, AROM extension/pronation per brace limits, sub-max biceps/triceps isometrics, 5 lb shoulder restriction; Phase III (5-12 wks): progressive AROM to full ROM, isotonics at 8 wks, multi-plane at 8 wks; Phase IV (12+ wks): multi-planar high velocity, eccentrics, sport-specific, RTS <15% strength difference

Notes

Distal biceps reattachment to radius via suture anchor. Extension block set individually at first post-op visit; PT progresses 10°/week. No eccentric biceps loading until Phase IV. Return to sport/work requires <15% strength difference and surgeon + PT clearance. Updated 11/2018. Copyright 2018.

Surgeon / Author

UW Health Sports Rehabilitation; UW Health Sports Medicine physician group

Published

2018-11