Acute distal biceps tendon rupture: retrospective analysis of two different approaches and fixation techniques

Abstract

Purpose The aim of our study is to compare the modified double incision (DI) with bone tunnel reinsertion with the single-incision (SI) double tension slide technique in terms of clinical and functional outcomes and complication rates. Methods A retrospective comparative analysis was performed on 65 patients treated for total distal biceps tendon rupture. The surgical technique adopted for each patient was based on the preference of two experienced elbow surgeons. The DASH and MAYO questionnaires, functional outcome and ROM were recorded in all subjects. Results Of 65 patients, we collected data of a cohort of 54 distal biceps tendon ruptures that satisfied inclusion criteria. Twenty-five were treated by modified DI and 29 SI techniques. The recovery of the complete ROM in terms of flexion/extension and prono-supination occurred in the 79.6% of the patients, without statistical significant difference between the adopted technique. We reported a complication rate of 12% and 20.7% for DI and SI techniques, respectively, without statistical correlation (P = 0.84). The average DASH score was similar for DI and SI techniques without significant differences (P = 0,848). The Mayo score results were excellent in the majority of the patients. No significant difference in MAYO results was reported comparing the surgical techniques (P = 1). Conclusion Both techniques provide a reliable and strong repair with an optimal recovery of ROM returning to preinjury activity with substantially overlapping timelines.

Reconstrução do tendão distal do bíceps braquial com enxerto de tríceps: relato de caso

“…Auto e aloenxertos foram descritos como possíveis áreas doadoras, entre elas: semitendíneo, tibial anterior, fáscia lata e palmar longo. 11,12,13 As primeiras técnicas de reinserção anatômica utilizavam uma incisão anterior que requeria uma dissecção extensa ao redor da tuberosidade bicipital de modo a permitir a passagem das suturas, o que resultava em paralisia do ramo profundo do nervo radial. Em 1961, Boyd e Anderson 13 descreveram a técnica utilizando dupla incisão, diminuindo a dissecção necessária e o risco de lesão neurovascular.…”