Partial tears: If non-operative management fails, then then tendon and proximal radio-ulnar space needs to be debrided, and remaining frayed ends detached from the insertion. A formal tendon reattachment to the bone is performed using strong thick sutures weaved into the tendon and drilled across the bone, securing them.

Complete tears: Operative management here is similar to partial tears. The tendon is retrieved through a small incision over the anterior elbow, and secured to the bone as above.

Chronic neglected tears: These tears are more complex to fix, as they are often retracted a considerable way proximal to the elbow, and the tendon and muscle are not in a good condition. An interposition graft taken from the hamstrings is often required to reconstitute the tendon attachment. This however does not significantly affect the function of the leg. Most anterior cruciate ligament injuries are fixed using a hamstring graft.

Postoperatively patients are usually in a bandage and sling for comfort, and range of motion exercises of the elbow are encouraged as soon as the pain settles. Depending on the degree of injury, you can expect the arm to return to full range of motion, with strength equal to the opposite arm within 3-4 months following the operation. Some patients experience some numbness over the forearm due a nerve that is within the operative site being irritated during the operation, but this mostly settles within 3-4 months.