Repairs Of The Biceps And Triceps Tendons
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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Repair of the biceps (BI-seps) and triceps (TRI-seps) tendons (TEN-dons) is surgery to repair a ruptured (torn) biceps or triceps tendon. Tendons connect muscles to bones, and together with muscles, work to move your arms, legs, fingers, and toes. The biceps and triceps tendons are tendons in the arms. They connect the biceps and triceps muscles to the scapula (shoulder blades) and elbows. A complete or partial rupture of these tendons usually happens after trauma or an injury. The complete tendon rupture may be acute or chronic based on the duration of time from injury. Injuries occurring within four weeks are considered as acute, and after four weeks they are chronic. Distal tendon ruptures (tendon ruptures near the elbow) are injuries that usually need surgery. Sharp pain, tenderness, and swelling over the front or back of the elbow are common signs and symptoms.
During the surgery, the ruptured biceps or triceps tendon is sewn back to the bone. Your caregiver may use special tools, such as buttons and screws, to attach the tendon to the bone. He may also put some holes in the bones to insert the ends of the ruptured tendon. Tendons taken from other parts of the body may also be used to replace damaged tendons. This is usually done for chronic tendon injuries. After surgery you may need a splint or cast to protect the tendon and help it heal. You may need to do special exercises to help build the strength back in your arm. With repair of the biceps and triceps tendons, your regular arm movements may be returned, and normal activities restored.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Medicines:
- Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
- Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
- Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.
Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.
Caring for your cast, splint or brace:
- Check the skin around the cast, splint, or brace every day. You may put lotion on any red or sore areas.
- Do not push down or lean on any part of the cast, splint, or brace. It may break.
- Do not scratch the skin under the cast, splint, or brace by putting a sharp or pointed object down it.
- If you have a plaster cast, do not let it get wet. When you take a bath or shower, cover the cast with a plastic bag that is taped closed at the top.
- Move the fingers of your arm several times a day. This will decrease swelling and stiffness.
Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole grain bread, cereal, rice and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (dry beans). Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Choose protein sources such as lean meat and poultry (chicken), fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Ask your caregiver how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you may have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.
Drinking liquids: Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Good choices for most people to drink include water, juice, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Some food items such as soup and fruit also add liquid to your diet. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should have each day.
Physical therapy: Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles stronger.
Your physical therapist may teach you special exercises to do at home. These may be done 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery. Do only the exercises advised by your caregiver and do them only as often as your caregiver suggests. Do not do more than the range of motion exercises advised by your caregiver.CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:
- Your stitches are swollen, red, or have pus coming from them.
- You have pain and swelling in your arm that is getting worse.
- You have questions or concerns about your injury, surgery, or medicine.
SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:
- You have a fever (increased body temperature).
- Your arm, hand, or fingers feels numb, tingly, cool to the touch, or look blue or pale.
- Your bandage becomes soaked with blood.
- Your cast or splint breaks, or gets wet and soft.
- You have chest pain or trouble breathing all of a sudden.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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