Distal Biceps Repair — Early Mobilization

UW Health Orthopedic Surgery; UnityPoint Health - Meriter Rehabilitation · Dr. Salyapongse

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE; sling phases I–II except hygiene/exercises; 2 lb lifting restriction phases I–II; 5 lb phase III

Key Restrictions

No lifting/pushing/pulling >2 lbs involved UE phases I–II; no lifting >5 lbs phase III; sling all times except hygiene and exercises

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (7–14 days): tension-free ROM — AROM/AAROM/PROM elbow flexion (forearm neutral), supination (elbow 90°), elbow extension, pronation (elbow 90°); shoulder ROM avoiding excessive extension/abduction; scar/edema management; sling all times except hygiene/exercises; 2 lb restriction | Phase II (2 wks): D/C sling except high-risk situations; continue ROM program; 2 lb restriction | Phase III (6 wks): progressive resisted exercise — elbow flexion/extension/supination/pronation (low resistance, high rep); static progressive orthosis if significant ROM deficits (after surgeon consultation); 5 lb restriction | Phase IV (12–14 wks): full activity and return to leisure/sports; progressive strengthening per lifestyle

Notes

Surgeon-specific protocol for Dr. Salyapongse; indication: distal biceps tendon repair; all Phase I ROM performed tension-free; swelling at elbow crease/scar normal for 6 months; developed collaboratively by UW Health and UnityPoint Health - Meriter Rehabilitation

Surgeon / Author

Dr. Salyapongse