Tears of the **biceps tendon** at the elbow are uncommon but can occur due to a **sudden injury**. Ruptures at the elbow tend to cause **greater arm weakness** than injuries at the shoulder.

Once torn, the **biceps tendon will not reattach to the bone** and will not heal on its own.

• **Sharp pain** at the shoulder or elbow
• **Bruising** on the upper arm or forearm near the elbow
• **Weakness** in the shoulder or elbow
• Difficulty **rotating the arm** from a palm-down to a palm-up position

**Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture (Elbow):** Since the biceps has **only one attachment at the elbow**, surgical repair is often **recommended**.

**Proximal Biceps Tendon Rupture (Shoulder):** If pain persists after a rupture at the shoulder, other **shoulder conditions** should be evaluated, including:

• **Rotator cuff tears**
• **Impingement syndrome**
• **Fractures around the shoulder**