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 |