Hybrid Tightrope–PEEK Dual Fixation for Distal Biceps Tendon Reinsertion in High-Performance Athletes: A Prospective Case Series

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Distal biceps tendon rupture is a disabling injury that compromises elbow flexion and forearm supination strength, particularly in high-performance athletes. Although several fixation techniques have been proposed, no single method has proven optimal in combining mechanical stability, anatomical restoration, and early functional recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and reproducibility of a hybrid dual-fixation technique combining a Tightrope<sup>®</sup> cortical button (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) with a PEEK interference screw for anatomic reinsertion of the distal biceps tendon in athletic individuals. <b>Methods</b>: A prospective observational study was conducted on 13 high-performance athletes who underwent distal biceps tendon repair using the hybrid Tightrope-PEEK construct between March 2024 and September 2025. Functional recovery, muscle strength, esthetic contour, and patient satisfaction were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and a 5-point Likert scale over a 12-month follow-up. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 29.0. <b>Results</b>: All patients achieved secure fixation with no intraoperative or postoperative complications, loss of reduction, or hardware failure. Early controlled mobilization began within the first postoperative week. At 6 months, flexion and supination strength were fully restored, and at 12 months, all patients achieved full range of motion and optimal functional scores (mean MEPS 100; QuickDASH 0). No "Popeye" deformities or contour irregularities were observed, and mean patient satisfaction was 5/5. <b>Conclusions</b>: The hybrid Tightrope-PEEK dual-fixation technique provides excellent mechanical stability, allowing early mobilization and rapid functional recovery with minimal complications. Its reproducibility and cosmetic advantages suggest that it represents a safe and effective option for distal biceps tendon reinsertion in high-demand athletes.

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Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2025-11-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14238488
Primary Topic
Elbow and Forearm Trauma Treatment
Type
article
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article

Hybrid Tightrope–PEEK Dual Fixation for Distal Biceps Tendon Reinsertion in High-Performance Athletes: A Prospective Case Series

Iosif Ilia, Ramona Nicoleta Suciu, Nicoleta Anamaria Paşcalău, Csongor I. Vágási et al.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Elbow and Forearm Trauma Treatment
article

Hybrid Tightrope–PEEK Dual Fixation for Distal Biceps Tendon Reinsertion in High-Performance Athletes: A Prospective Case Series

Iosif Ilia, Ramona Nicoleta Suciu, Nicoleta Anamaria Paşcalău, Csongor I. Vágási, Liviu Gavrilă-Ardelean, Florin Marcu, Laura Ioana Bondar, Brigitte Osser, Gil D. Tolan, Roland Fazakas
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Distal biceps tendon rupture is a disabling injury that compromises elbow flexion and forearm supination strength, particularly in high-performance athletes. Although several fixation techniques have been proposed, no single method has proven optimal in combining mechanical stability, anatomical restoration, and early functional recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and reproducibility of a hybrid dual-fixation technique combining a Tightrope<sup>®</sup> cortical button (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) with a PEEK interference screw for anatomic reinsertion of the distal biceps tendon in athletic individuals. <b>Methods</b>: A prospective observational study was conducted on 13 high-performance athletes who underwent distal biceps tendon repair using the hybrid Tightrope-PEEK construct between March 2024 and September 2025. Functional recovery, muscle strength, esthetic contour, and patient satisfaction were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and a 5-point Likert scale over a 12-month follow-up. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 29.0. <b>Results</b>: All patients achieved secure fixation with no intraoperative or postoperative complications, loss of reduction, or hardware failure. Early controlled mobilization began within the first postoperative week. At 6 months, flexion and supination strength were fully restored, and at 12 months, all patients achieved full range of motion and optimal functional scores (mean MEPS 100; QuickDASH 0). No "Popeye" deformities or contour irregularities were observed, and mean patient satisfaction was 5/5. <b>Conclusions</b>: The hybrid Tightrope-PEEK dual-fixation technique provides excellent mechanical stability, allowing early mobilization and rapid functional recovery with minimal complications. Its reproducibility and cosmetic advantages suggest that it represents a safe and effective option for distal biceps tendon reinsertion in high-demand athletes.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 14(23)
University of Oradea (RO), Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad (RO), Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad (RO)
Openalex Percentile: Top 53%
Elbow and Forearm Trauma Treatment
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