This document, authored by Jared T. Lee, MD, outlines a rehabilitation plan following a distal biceps tendon repair.
The protocol includes:
- **Phases of Rehabilitation:** Four distinct phases (Weeks 0-2, Weeks 2-10, Weeks 10-14, Weeks 14-20), each with specific goals, restrictions, and therapeutic exercises.
- **Restrictions:** Each phase lists restrictions, such as brace usage, weight-lifting limits, and activity limitations (like active wrist supination or pronation in early phases).
- **Therapeutic Exercises:** Prescribed exercises for each phase, which progress from passive range of motion to active exercises, strengthening programs, and eventually sport-specific activities and plyometrics.
- **Goals:** Objectives for each phase, including protecting the repair, regaining range of motion, minimizing pain, increasing strength and power, and returning to functional and sport activities.
- **Criteria for Discharge:** Specific criteria that must be met for discharge, such as strength deficit of less than 10%, limb similarity index of 90% or greater, and absence of pain or instability.
The phases progress from initial post-operative care to full return to activity, with increasing levels of exercise intensity and functional demands, culminating in sport-specific activities and a return to pre-injury levels.
