Bicep Rupture

Bicep Rupture Cause

Biceps rupture is caused by placing too much load suddenly on the upper arm. Biceps rupture is one of the most common of the tendon tears which can occur in active people. A biceps rupture typically happens when trying to catch something very heavy which is falling e.g. motorcycle or garage door.

The biceps muscle is attached by a bicep tendon at either end. One is anchored into the shoulder and the other is anchored into the forearm bone. So when the biceps flexes, it pulls these two anchors towards each other flexing your forearm and anything in your hand, towards you.

The bicep muscle is responsible for your "guns" when doing muscle poses. A bicep tear means a partial separation of muscle fibres. A bicep rupture means the biceps muscle has completely torn off from one or both anchors.

Biceps Rupture Symptoms

• Snap heard and/or felt in your upper arm
• Sudden sharp pain followed by persistent ache
• A Popeye bicep on arm flexion
• Bruising under the skin over the bicep
• Weakness of your arm flexion or supination.

Biceps Rupture Treatment

The treatment of a bicep rupture begins with an MRI that confirms the site and severity of the rupture. Surgical reattachment followed by 6 weeks to 3 months of physiotherapy is the norm. But leaving it unrepaired is often done if not treated within several weeks of the injury as scarring by this time makes reattachment difficult. So if you suspect that you've torn your bicep you should see your doctor to avoid a permanent Popeye bicep.

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