Anatomy of the Distal Biceps Brachii Tendon and Its Clinical Relevance

Abstract

Rupture of the distal biceps tendon is a relatively uncommon injury. Different methods have been described for its surgical repair. According to published reports, current surgical techniques result in decreased strength and endurance of upper extremity functions requiring supination and flexion. In our anatomic study of 74 cadaveric elbows, we observed that the distal biceps tendon spirals in a predictable manner and has a complex fiber arrangement. Successful surgical repair of a ruptured distal biceps tendon should be predicated on an understanding of the tendon anatomy, but current surgical techniques do not take into account the salient anatomic features of the distal biceps tendon. To our knowledge, there is no description in the surgical literature of the fiber arrangement of the distal biceps tendon. We provide a basis for developing an anatomically accurate protocol for repairing a distal biceps tendon rupture.