Distal Bicepital Tendonitis
- Description / Cause
- Pain along the distal bicep tendon
- Most commonly occur at anterior aspect of the elbow
- Chronic conditions from repetitive overuse of elbow flexion, wrist rotation, and elbow hyperextension
- Most commonly injured when eccentric force is applied on flexed elbow
- Prevalence / Risk factors
- Often occur with young active patients
- Sports with overhead activities
- Heavy labor
- Poor strength and flexibility
- Risk Factors
- Metabolic conditions
- Endocrine disorders (DM)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Anabolic steroid
- Overtraining
- Olecranon bursitis
- Signs / Symptoms
- Pain and weakness with active elbow flexion
- Crepitation when tendon or elbow is moved
- Examination may reveal:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Ecchymosis
- Palpable defect just proximal to the olecranon
- Weakness of elbow extension
- Objective / Special Test
- Imaging – MRI to rule out avulsion fracture
- MMT
- AROM and PROM
- Speeds Test
- Treatment / Interventions
- Typically managed non-surgically
- NSAIDS
- Physical therapy
- Stretching and ROM
- Strengthening
- Surgically methods used when conservative methods fail after 6 months
References
- Taylor S., Hannafin J. Evaluation and Management of Elbow Tendinopathy. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach September/October 2012 vol. 4 no. 5 384-39
- Schamblin ML, Safran MR. Injury of the distal biceps at the musculotendinous junction. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2007;16(2):208-212.
Acknowledgements:
David Funk, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Ethan Hunke, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Morgan Johnson, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Ed Nheiu, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Lindsay Walczak, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Last edited: July 13, 2015
David Funk, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Ethan Hunke, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Morgan Johnson, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Ed Nheiu, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Lindsay Walczak, Student Physical Therapist at A.T. Still University
Last edited: July 13, 2015