Acute Distal Biceps Brachii Tendon Ruptures: Medium-Long Term Results with Tension-Slide Technique and Interference Screw

Introduction. A complete tear of the distal biceps tendon is a relatively rare injury and generally occurs in middle-aged men. Primary surgical anatomical reinsertion is a commonly used treatment, but conservative treatment can be performed in some cases. Two surgical approaches are reported: single and double-incision technique, and various fixation methods are described. Materials and methods. In the present retrospective study we report the results in a series of 22 patients surgically treated using tension-slide technique (Biceps Button – Arthrex, Inc, Naples, Florida) in association with an interference screw. Nineteen were males and 3 females, with a mean age of 48 years. Results. One patient had PIN palsy with complete recovery in 3 months and 4 had transient LABCN neuroapraxia. At follow-up range of elbow motion and muscle strength were evaluated in comparison to the contralateral side. Clinical results were also assessed using DASH and MEPS scores. Tensiomyography was also performed to evaluate muscle strength. After a mean follow-up of 30 months, 8 patients had an excellent result and 14 a good result. No patient had a tendon re-rupture, peripheral neurological deficit or symptomatic heterotopic ossifications. Six patients had a mild deficit of elbow motion and 8 patients a mild deficit of forearm pronosupination. At tensiomyography evaluation, 7 patients showed a mild deficit of flexion and supination strength. All patients returned to their previous daily and sports activities. Conclusions. According to our results, in patients affected by acute distal biceps tendon rupture surgical treatment, performed in the acute phase using tension-slide technique and interference screw, is associated with satisfactory outcomes.