Rupture of the Distal Biceps Tendon in a Weight Lifting Athletes: A Case Report

Introduction: Traumatic ruptures of the biceps tendon are rare, but serious, and usually involve the long head of the proximal insertion. Rupture of the distal tendon account for only 3% of all biceps tendon ruptures. A history of tendonitis, overuse, or anabolic steroid abuse may predispose tendons to rupture. Surgical repair, followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation program, was indicated to regain full strength and the range of motion in both flexion and supination. Frequency of the distal tendon rupture occurs between the age of 40 and 60. This kind of disease is more frequent in men than in women.

Cases report: A 36 -year-old male weight lifter sustained a rupture of the distal biceps tendon during lifting a heavy weight .The athlete denied any history of tendonitis or anabolic steroid use. He felt a pop sound in his left arm and also an extreme pain plus decreasing the muscle strength. The patient wasn't able to bow his elbow or to turn it outwards in elbow joint area. After physical examination and taking MRI, he was diagnosed and verified by the test for traumatic ruptures of the biceps tendon. Immediately he was operated with a surgical repair using modified Boyd-Anderson and Muscle Splitting Model with two incision, then his left arm was placed in a cast for 6 weeks. Six months after surgery and physical therapy. He regained full range of motion and strength. After that he was released to lift weight without restrictions.

Conclusion: This study shows exactly when a surgical intervention in order to repair a ruptured distal biceps tendon is necessary, appropriate conservative measures can be taken to allow the surgery to be delayed without any harm against the patient. The athletic trainer should be aware of how to recognize and how to treat this injury at once.