The distal biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the forearm bone (radius) at the elbow. A distal biceps injury is a partial or complete tear of this attachment.
Typically occurs from a sudden, forceful load on a bent elbow — such as trying to catch a heavy falling object — most common in middle-aged men during lifting activities.
A sudden pop or tearing sensation at the front of the elbow, pain, bruising, weakness with forearm rotation (turning the palm up) and elbow bending, and often a visible bulge higher up the arm as the muscle retracts (the "Popeye deformity").
A complete tear does not heal on its own and is generally treated with surgical repair, ideally within a few weeks of injury, to restore full strength — particularly important for active or manual-labor patients. Partial tears or injuries in lower-demand patients may sometimes be managed non-surgically.
Think you might have this condition? An accurate diagnosis starts with an exam — schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomson.
Schedule a ConsultThis page is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every injury is different — always consult Dr. Thomson or another qualified physician for a personalized evaluation.