The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Distal bicep tendon repair
Surgery to reattach a torn tendon in your forearm.This procedure can be used to repair a tendon injury and help you regain strength and range of movement.
What is a distal bicep repair?
Tendon injuries to the shoulder and upper arm are not uncommon and are rarely serious.
Your consultant may suggest surgery to repair your distal biceps — the tendon that attaches your biceps muscle to your forearm bone — if you have a rupture or serious tear that hasn't healed with non-surgical treatment, such as physiotherapy.
Need to know
Surgery to repair a distal biceps tendon is usually done under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make a small cut on your upper forearm near your elbow.
They will use specialised instruments to remove any damaged tissue on the end of the tendon before reattaching it to your forearm bone with strong anchoring stitches.
Older or more serious tendon injuries may require a larger cut, or your surgeon may need to take a tendon graft from another area of your body. They will recommend the best approach for you. Your surgeon will then close the cut with stitches and protect the area with an elbow brace while it heals.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. If you're having general anaesthetic, they'll tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You should be able to go home the same day as your procedure. You will likely need to wear a brace on your elbow for several weeks to keep your tendon in the correct position. Full recovery can take up to a year.
Your consultant will let you know what to expect and how to care for your arm as your tendon heals. They may recommend some simple physiotherapy exercises to help you regain your strength and range of movement.
Our Distal bicep tendon repair locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Golders Green Outpatients
Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre NW11 9PY London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.