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. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. 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: You have the right to understand your health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your condition. Your doctor should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to you. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.
  
  
• 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: Anesthesia is medicine to make you comfortable during surgery. Caregivers work with you to decide which anesthesia is best and whether you will be awake or completely asleep. Do not make important decisions for 24 hours after having anesthesia. Also, do not drive or use heavy equipment. An adult may need to drive you home and stay with you after you have had anesthesia.
  
  
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
  
  
• IV: An IV is a tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. This tube is capped or connected to tubing and liquid.
  
  
• Tests:
  
  
  • Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once.
    
    
  • 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: This includes taking your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeat), and respirations (counting your breaths). To take your blood pressure, a cuff is put on your arm and tightened. The cuff is attached to a machine which gives your blood pressure reading. Caregivers may listen to your heart and lungs by using a stethoscope. Your vital signs are taken so caregivers can see how you are doing.

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.

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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