Abstract
Introduction: Currently the standard of care is to repair distal biceps tendon ruptures, particularly in active individuals. Although several studies have reported short-term good results with the one-incision technique none has report long-term results.
Material and Methods: Thirty- four male with distal biceps rupture were treated with an average follow-up of 5 (range,2–9) years. Involved arm was dominant in 28 patients. 22 ruptures were repaired acutely (less than 6 weeks from injury) and 12 had a late repair. The patients were assessed with the DASH questionnaire, goniometric range of motion and isokinetic strength testing of elbow flexion and supination. The position of the suture anchors was also evaluated radiographically.
Results: Patients with acute repair (82%) regained excellent flexion and supination strength, 108% and 99% respectively, compared with the uninvolved (usually nondominant) arm. Patients (18%) with chronic rupture repair had a slight deficit of supination (15%) and flexion (13%) strength. An average of 120 (range, 00–180) lack of extension was noted in the chronic tears while flexion/extension arc of the acute repairs was normal. With the exception of 4(12%) patients who returned to lighter work activities all patients return to their previous occupation. According to the DASH test all patients had an excellent/good result (28 excellent 6 good). X-rays revealed unchanged position of the anchors. No complications were noted.
Discussion-Conclusions: As in short-term results, long-term results of distal biceps tendon repair with the one-incision technique have an excellent result with no clinical or radiographic sign of suture anchors repair insufficiency.
The abstracts were prepared by Eleni Koutsoukou. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Hellenic Association of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (HAOST), 20, A. Fleming str, 15123 Marousi, Athens, Greece.
