Repairs Of The Biceps And Triceps Tendons

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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

There are always risks with surgery, such as bleeding and infection. Other parts of the arm, such as nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, muscles, and bones may be damaged. Your arm, forearm, hand, or fingers may become stiff, numb, and weak. Even after a successful surgery, your arm movement may not be the same as it was before. You may have trouble going back to your usual activities, including sports. If left untreated, the pain and problems you have with your arm may get worse. Call your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your surgery, medicine, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before surgery:

• Informed consent: A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Intravenous (IV) regional anesthesia: This is medicine put into an IV in the injured arm or leg. A pressure cuff is first put on your arm or leg. After the cuff is tightened, the medicine is put into the IV. The cuff keeps the medicine in the arm or leg so you will not have pain.
  
  
• Anesthesia: This medicine is given to make you comfortable. You may not feel discomfort, pressure, or pain. An adult will need to drive you home and should stay with you for 24 hours. Ask your caregiver if you can drive or use machinery within 24 hours. Also ask if and when you can drink alcohol or use over-the-counter medicine. You may not want to make important decisions until 24 hours have passed.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• IV: An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
  
  
• Tests:
  
  
  • Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
    
    
  • Magnetic resonance imaging: This is also called MRI. During the MRI, pictures of your arm are taken. An MRI may be used to check the parts of your arm, such as the muscles and blood vessels. It may also be used to look at your arm's condition and other problems.
    
    
  • X-rays: Before surgery, caregivers may want to have an x-ray (picture) of your shoulder, elbow, and arm. Caregivers use it to see the injury inside the arm before surgery.
  
  
• Vital signs: Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.

During surgery:

• You are given medicine in your IV to help you relax or make you drowsy. You are taken on a stretcher to the operating room. You are given a general or regional anesthesia that will numb the area with the ruptured tendon. Your shoulder, arm, forearm, and elbow are cleaned with soap and water and then covered with sheets.
  
  
• In a repair of biceps tendons, an incision (cut) is made over the front of the elbow. Another incision may be made on the back of the elbow to help your caregiver with the surgery. He then sews the tendon back to the bone. He may attach buttons and screws to the bone where the tendon may be fastened. In triceps tendons repair, an incision is made on the back of the elbow. Holes are drilled on the end of the ulna (one of the bones in the forearm). The ends of the tendon are inserted through the holes and tied with stitches (threads).
  
  
• A tendon or fascia (hard tissue) from another part of the body may be used for chronic tendon injuries. This is done to make the shortened tendon longer so it reaches the bone where it will be attached. The incisions are then closed using stitches or surgical tapes and covered with bandages. A cast or splint is then placed on the elbow. This is to protect the tendon and keep it from moving while it heals.

After your surgery:

You may lie in bed and rest for a while since the surgery may be a little tiring. When your caregiver sees that you are OK, you will be allowed to change clothes and go home. You will need someone to drive you home. Do not drive home alone. If your caregiver wants you to stay in the hospital, you will be taken back to your hospital room.

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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.