Surgical treatment of distal biceps brachii tendon rupture: methods of fixation and rehabilitation. Experience with 20 patients

Abstract

Distal biceps brachii tendon ruptures are relatively uncommon injuries with numerous surgical exposures and methods of fixation offered for repair. The goal of surgical management is to restore the anatomic footprint of the biceps tendon on the radial tuberosity. Distal biceps fixation techniques include the use of bone tunnels in the bicipital tuberosity, tendon fixation with interference screws and cortical button that are competitive with alternative methods of suture anchors and transosseous sutures. Amplification of technical surgical aspects allows for a safer procedure, more aggressive postoperative rehabilitation and reduced recovery period for the elbow joint. Objective The purpose was to present the clinical experience and compare methods of fixation of tendon ruptures in terms of their advantages and disadvantages, implants’ effect on postoperative function recovery in a group of patients followed for three years. Material and methods A retrospective review included 20 patients with distal biceps brachii tendon ruptures that required surgical treatment. Results Positive outcomes were achieved in 19 cases (95 %). Disability period was 33.5 ± 0.5 days in a group of intellectual workers and 45.5 ± 0.71 days in physically active patients or sportsmen. Conclusion The findings showed advantages of combined tendon fixation with cortical button and biodegradable interference screw. The results of treatment were shown to rank more than twice over those achieved with suture anchors and transosseous sutures.

Keywords

• elbow joint
• rehabilitation
• distal biceps brachii tendon rupture
• minimally invasive surgery
• biceps tenodesis
• cortical button fixation
• tendon reinsertion