Rehabilitation after Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair or Reconstruction

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Indications:  Acute (within 3/52) traumatic distal biceps rupture

Chronic distal biceps tendon rupture

Protocol Acute Repairs (Within 3 weeks of Injury)

Post Op

Day 1 2/52

Pain free active flexion and extension within limits of sling

Full supination and pronation

Full active shoulder movement with elbow flexion maintained

2/52

Active ROM in all directions, to point of mild stretch. No overpressure.

6/52 Acute repairs

Continue with AROM

Introduce light resistance

Gradually increase resistance keeping progress pain free with easy and good quality movement

Milestones; Acute

6/52  Full ROM flexion / extension /supination / pronation

Pain free, Driving, Working

3/12  >90% strength in comparison to opposite side flexion/

Supination

Warning: Avoid Sudden loading and unplanned movements for 6/52 for both acute and chronic repairs

Protocol Chronic Injury Repairs

Post Op

Day 1 2/52

Pain free active flexion and extension within limits of sling

Full supination and pronation

Full active shoulder movement with elbow flexion maintained

2/52

ActiveROM in all directions, to point of mild stretch. No overpressure

12/52 Chronic repairs

Begin loading starting from

Milestones; Chronic

6/52  Pain free 50-70% extension of ROM to other side

Full ROM flexion / supination / pronation

3/12

Full ROM flexion / extension / supination / pronation

Pain free, Driving, Working

6/12  80-90% Extension with full ROM in all other directions

80-90% flexion strength to contra-lateral side

70% supination strength to contra-lateral side

Warning:Avoid Sudden loading and unplanned movements for 6/52 for both acute and chronic repairs

Activities of Daily Living

Acute Injury Repair Chronic Injury Reconstruction
Throwing / catching / racquet sports 6/52 12/52
Swimming (excluding freestyle) As wound healing allows 6/52
Cycling 6/52 6/52
Driving  2/52*  6/52*
Work     Sedentary

Manual

2/52

6/52

2/52

12/52

DO NOT USE THERABAND IN REHAB PROGRAM