The Road to Recovery: OCR Helps Jake Simpson Pave the Way to a Smooth Recovery

For Jake Simpson, an early-summer day at his work paving roads took an unexpected turn when a quick movement to scoop asphalt left his elbow feeling out of place. Hours later, while continuing with his work, he felt another pop. His arm had entirely lost its strength.

When going to get his arm looked at, Simpson, a paver and asphalt worker, initially expected a few short weeks of physical therapy. Instead, an MRI revealed a serious injury: an acute distal biceps tendon avulsion, meaning the tendon had pulled away from its attachment to bone near the elbow.

Simpson turned to Dr. Chrsitine Johnson, hand and upper extremity orthopedic specialist at the Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies (OCR), where her prompt treatment became the priority.

Dr. Johnson explains that this type of injury can happen when a sudden, heavy force loads the biceps, such as trying to catch a falling object. Once torn, the tendon can retract away from the bone.

“Tendons are like rubber bands,” Dr. Johnson said. “When it is ruptured, one side will sling-shot away from the other.”

Early repair helps avoid complications associated with a tendon that has retracted and scarred into surrounding tissues. Waiting can make the repair more complex, particularly when scar tissue involves nearby nerves and blood vessels.

On June 22, Jake underwent surgery at OCR’s Longmont Surgery Center. Dr. Johnson reattached the tendon to bone using a small button secured inside the bone. The technique provides a strong repair while protecting surrounding nerves and allowing early motion.

For Jake, the support surrounding his surgery made a lasting impression. “The nursing staff was phenomenal,” he said.

He also appreciated Dr. Johnson’s clear communication about his injury, treatment and recovery, describing her as “very honest and forthcoming.”

“Everything has gone really well,” Jake said. Since completing his physical therapy, he is beginning to rebuild confidence in using his arm. Recovery was still underway, but each step brought him closer to the routines he missed, like enjoying time with his daughter, golfing, and fishing. “It was difficult to put those things on hold,” he said.

He also missed being productive at work. “I hate leaving things left undone,” he said while describing the discomfort he experienced while being away from work, and how he hopes to translate this philosophy into his recovery.

For a man accustomed to seeing a job through, rehabilitation is another commitment worth finishing. With care from Dr. Johnson and the OCR staff, Jake is prepared for the road ahead.