distal bicep tear problems

[glycerine52188]

Hey everybody. im 23 yo male 5'9 195 lbs. I tore my left distal bicep while at work on dec 3rd. went to workers comp doctor who sent me to have an mri and they confirmed a complete tear. I was sent to an orthopedic surgeon and had a surgery date on jan 7. its now may 22, i havnt been released to work full-time. Im still on lite duty with at least another 4 months to go. I enjoyed weightlifting and could curl 65 lbs dumbells easily and now i cant curl 15lbs without being in pain, the worst part is my middle,ring, and pinky will no longer extend. i work as a freight worker and required to lift minimum of 75lbs.... does it seem like this injury is taking its time? should i have been sent to physical therapy?

[dockj]

This is far too long a recovery time. By 8 weeks post op I was doing 50 puships w/o ANY discomfort. I am 9 weeks now, and believe I could do curls at 75% of normal training poundages with no trouble, but I am going to play it safe for another 3 weeks.
Problem w/ work comp, of course, is that you are unlikely to be getting the best surgeon.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The biceps muscle is in the front of your upper arm and it helps in bending your elbow and rotating your forearm. Since you had a complete tear it has torn the biceps tendon in two. Non surgical treatment is basically for patients who are elderly and inactive or who are high risk cases for surgery. I suggest you to go ahead with the surgery which is the definitive treatment. After surgery, your arm may be immobilized in a cast or splint.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.