Bicep tendon ruptures generally occur as a result of ongoing shoulder instability problems - though may sometimes occur as a result of a single forceful impact and in conjunction with rotator cuff tears. The injury results in a tear of the biceps tendon, either complete or partial. This most often occurs at the long head of the biceps tendon, which travels through the shoulder joint to its area of attachment.

Separating near the shoulder into a long head and a short head - both of which attach to the shoulder in different places - the biceps muscle is attached by the biceps tendon to the scapula, or shoulder blade, and the radius bone. This muscle allows the arm to bend at the elbow and the forearm to rotate.

As a result of the shoulder joint's large range of motion, the proximal biceps tendon is more frequently injured than the distal biceps tendon, because of its close proximity to the shoulder.

Those suffering from a biceps tendon rupture may experience sharp and sudden pain that may or may not precede a loud snap or pop. A large bulge in the upper arm above the elbow may also appear, along with an indention near the shoulder - possibly accompanied by bruising, pain or tenderness.

Risk Factors
Since a biceps tendon rupture most often occurs as a result of chronic tendonitis or long-time shoulder instability problems, they most often affect athletes and active individuals continuously exposing their shoulder to extreme force, such as throwing and other overhead activities that over time weaken the shoulder joint and increase the vulnerability of the biceps tendon.

Ongoing shoulder impingement and other shoulder instability problems left untreated or causing gradual degeneration within the shoulder joint will increase the likelihood of a biceps tendon rupture.

Treatment
Following a thorough examination of the arm and shoulder in motion and assessment of patient history and lifestyle, a treatment plan is selected. Patients with a history of shoulder pain and instability may require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in order to assess the condition of the rotator cuff muscles and shoulder joint.

Conservative treatment has proven successful in treating biceps tendon ruptures and may entail cold compression in order to reduce swelling, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and a period of rest followed by a rehabilitative strengthening and flexibility program specific to the injury and lifestyle of the patient.

Patients nonresponsive to conservative treatment may require surgical repair.

While less common than a biceps tendon rupture, the triceps tendon - located at the back of the upper arm and inserting into the back of the elbow - can become inflamed and rupture when subjected to severe stress such as that experienced while lifting heavy weights or pushing a very heavy object. It can also rupture when arms are used to break a fall.

Symptoms of triceps tendon inflammation or a rupture may include elbow pain at rest or during activity, painful swelling at the back of the elbow, and a reduction in elbow function.

Risk Factors
This type of injury is most likely to occur when an exercise or endeavor is approached overzealously, or without proper conditioning. Opposing muscles should retain the same amount of strength. If the biceps muscles are much larger and worked for strenuously than the triceps muscles, the triceps muscles and surrounding tissue become increasingly vulnerable.

Treatment
A thorough examination of the triceps muscle and arm in motion will help confirm diagnosis and determine the best treatment option. Those patients with a history of elbow pain may require imaging scans, in order to assess the condition of the elbow joint and surrounding tissue.

Conservative treatment has proven successful in treating triceps tendon inflammation or ruptures and may entail cold compression to reduce swelling, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and a period of rest. A rehabilitative program specific to the injury will also be indicated a play a large role in recovery.

Those cases nonresponsive to conservative treatment may require surgical repair.