Las Vegas Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow Treatment

A strong repair starts with a fast diagnosis. We’re here to help.

Did You Hear or Feel a “Pop” in Your Elbow?

If your elbow pain came on suddenly—after lifting something heavy or during a forceful pull—you may have torn your distal biceps tendon, the structure that connects your biceps muscle to your elbow.

This isn’t just a sore arm—it’s a real injury that can affect your strength, function, and long-term performance if left untreated.

At Ortho Las Vegas, we specialize in accurate diagnosis, regenerative support, and surgical repair when necessary—so you can regain your strength and get back to the life you love without delay or guesswork.

What Is a Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow?

The biceps muscle attaches at both the shoulder and the elbow. A distal biceps tendon tear happens when the tendon tears away from the forearm bone (radius), often during a heavy or awkward lift.

This injury typically happens to: 

  • Active men in their 40s–60s

  • Weightlifters, manual laborers, athletes

  • Patients taking corticosteroids or with prior elbow overuse

Symptoms of a Distal Biceps Tendon Tear

  • Sudden, sharp pain in the front of the elbow

  • A popping sound or sensation at the time of injury

  • Bruising, swelling, or a visible lump near the upper arm

  • Loss of strength in elbow flexion (bending) or supination (rotating palm up)

  • Difficulty turning a doorknob, holding weights, or carrying bags

If you can’t turn your palm up against resistance, or your biceps looks visibly “balled up,” seek evaluation immediately.

Partial vs. Complete Tears

  • Partial tears involve fraying or partial detachment but still allow some strength

  • Complete tears mean the tendon has pulled fully away from the bone—requiring surgical reattachment for full recovery

Without proper diagnosis, a complete tear could be mistaken for a mild strain—losing valuable time for surgical success.

How We Diagnose and Treat Biceps Tendon Tears

  • Step 1: Expert Evaluation

    We start with a physical exam and diagnostic ultrasound or MRI to confirm tear location and severity.

  • Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan

    We explain every option—conservative, regenerative, or surgical—with full transparency and timelines.

Treatment Options at
Ortho Las Vegas 

Surgical Repair (for Complete Tears)

If the tendon has completely detached, early surgical intervention (ideally within 2–3 weeks) offers the best chance to restore full strength. Dr. McGee performs minimally invasive biceps tendon repair using anchor-based fixation to reattach the tendon securely.

  • Outpatient procedure
  • Small incision near the forearm
  • Return to lifting and full activity in 3–6 months with guided rehab

Orthobiologic Support (for Partial Tears)

For partial tears or post-surgical healing, we offer:

  • PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma) to promote tendon healing and reduce inflammation
  • Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) in select cases to support regeneration of more severely degenerated tissue
  • Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection to relieve nerve or fascial tension contributing to discomfort
  • These biologic options support recovery and can help delay or avoid surgery in minor or early-stage injuries.

Who’s a Candidate for Surgery vs. Regenerative Care?

You may need surgical repair if:

  • You heard a pop or felt sudden tearing

  • You have significant weakness or deformity

  • Imaging confirms a full tear or retraction

You may benefit from conservative care if:

  • You have a partial tear

  • You want to avoid surgery and preserve function

  • You’re within 10–14 days of injury and want a second opinion before operating

We’ll help you weigh risks, urgency, and recovery timeframes based on your lifestyle and goals.

What to Expect
From Treatment 

Here’s what your journey will look like:

1

In-Depth Evaluation

Includes imaging, strength testing, and clear communication on what type of tear you have and how it affects your life.

2

Expert Execution

All injections are image-guided. All surgeries are outpatient, with advanced fixation techniques.

3

Post-Treatment Rehab

We guide your recovery every step of the way, from range-of-motion milestones to strength return—tailored for athletes, professionals, or weekend warriors.

Why Choose
Ortho Las Vegas? 

Specialized in Elbow Injuries

From tendon tears to overuse conditions, we know upper limb biomechanics

Advanced Biologics, Done Right

PRP and BMC prepped in-house and injected with precision

Minimally Invasive Surgical Expertise

Fellowship-trained care with a track record of restoring full function

Clear Return-to-Activity Plans

No guesswork, no fluff. Just real timelines for recovery

Concierge-Level Patient Experience

Get evaluated and treated quickly, without long waits or referral runaround

FAQ: Biceps Tendon Tear
at the Elbow

Can a distal biceps tear heal on its own?

A partial tear might improve with biologic treatment and rehab. A complete tear typically will not reattach without surgery.

How soon do I need surgery after a tear?

Ideally within 2–3 weeks. After that, the tendon may retract or scar, making repair more difficult or requiring grafting.

What happens if I don’t repair a complete tear?

You may lose up to 40% of supination strength and 30% of flexion strength—permanently.

Is PRP covered by insurance?

Typically not, but we provide transparent pricing. Surgery usually is.

What’s recovery time after surgery?

Most patients resume light activity within 6–8 weeks and full strength training by 3–6 months.

Get Your Strength—and Confidence—Back

A torn biceps tendon doesn’t have to be the end of your active lifestyle. Let’s fix it right the first time—so you can move forward without limitations.