Elbow - Upper Arm Flashcards
Bicep tendon rupture
Where can the bicep tendon tear?
partial or complete
@ proximal musculotendinous junction
or
@ distal radial tuberosity (rare)
Bicep tendon rupture
What population does these occur in?
almost exclusively in males
- around 50 y.o
Bicep tendon rupture
What is the common MOI?
sudden contracture of the bicep against a big load while elbow is in 90 deg of flexion
Bicep tendon rupture
What are the subjective findings?
Sharp, tearing pain that happens with an acute injury
- they describe it w/ loss of strength in things like elbow flexion and supination
Bicep tendon rupture
What are the objective findings?
Ecchymosis (discoloration) in the antecubital fossa
visible deformity if its a total rupture
Loss of strength of elbow flexion and grip strength
!! loss of forearm supination strength !!
Bicep tendon rupture
What is the treatment?
Most active people will have a primary repair of the acute tendon avulsion
Bicep tendon rupture
If someone were to not get it repaired, what would be the consequence?
88% loss in elbow flexion
74% loss in supination strength
Bicep tendon rupture
What is the post-op protocol?
The elbow is protected for 6-8 weeks then free range ROM
Bicep tendon rupture
What is the usual timeline for return to unrestricted activity?
around 6 months would be it
Tricep Tendon Tear
What is the prevalence for this injury?
Relatively uncommon
Tricep Tendon Tear
What is the MOI?
Deceleration force during elbow extension
OR
Uncoordinated contraction of the tricep against a flexing elbow
Tricep Tendon Tear
What is the objective findings?
Weak elbow extension strength
Unable to go against gravity
Tricep Tendon Tear
What is the treatment?
Primary repair is needed for a complete rupture
Partial tear can be done conservatively w/ immobilization for 3 weeks –> progress ROM and strength when needed
