Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Wound care

Keep your dressing and splint clean and dry. Cover with waterproof bandages for showering; do not immerse the arm. Leave steri-strips until your first visit. Minor bleeding is expected, reinforce as needed.

Splint & brace

You'll start in a splint at 90° for about 5-7 days, then move to a hinged elbow brace with range advanced as your surgeon directs. Do not adjust the settings yourself.

Activity

Don't lift anything heavier than a coffee cup with the operative arm until cleared, and don't actively bend the elbow or resist forearm rotation early. No driving until cleared. Light one-handed desk work may resume in a few days if tolerable.

Ice

Use ice packs 20 minutes every 2 hours, keeping a barrier between the ice and your skin.

Medications

• Pain medicine (Norco or Percocet): 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 12 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take extra Tylenol with it.
• If prescribed Journavx: 2 tablets before leaving for surgery, then 1 every 12 hours; avoid grapefruit.

Physical therapy

Gentle shoulder, wrist, and hand motion begins on day one. Active elbow bending is restricted until about 6 weeks; strengthening typically starts at 8-12 weeks, with heavy lifting and sports around 4-6 months.

When to call us

• Fever above 101.5°F
• Pain that will not let up, or painful swelling / numbness
• Increasing redness or continuous drainage / bleeding from the incision
• A change in the color of the operated arm or leg
• Difficulty breathing, or excessive nausea / vomiting

For a true emergency, call 911. For non-urgent questions about your recovery, please contact our office.