Distal Biceps (at the elbow)

 

Injuries can occur to both ends of the biceps.  Those that occur at the elbow are called distal biceps injuries.  The tendon is injured at it’s insertion onto the radius (forearm bone).  If this occurs as an acute injury it can cause significant pain, deformity and loss of function.  This usually requires immediate repair.

 

The tendon can also become damaged or weakened with time and can cause severe pain.   This can sometimes be treated with steroid injections and physiotherapy.  Occasionally the tendon requires surgical intervention.