What is a ruptured biceps at the elbow?

The biceps is a thin strip of muscle that runs from your shoulder to your forearm (figure). The biceps twists around the forearm and helps you turn your palm up with great strength. When it ruptures at the elbow, this strong twist is lost (figure). But even without a biceps you can turn you palm up with good strength once the pain is gone.

Figure: biceps and brachialis.

The biceps lies on top of the very large muscle that bends your elbow—the brachialis muscle. The brachialis is not injured. You can bend your elbow as strong as the other one.

The bruising and swelling are painful. After a few weeks to months, the pain goes away and you can use your arm well.

You can use your arm even though it hurts during recovery. The damage is done and you cannot make it worse.

Figure: ruptured biceps.