Complete rupture of the distal biceps brachii tendon in female patients: A report of 2 cases

Abstract

Complete rupture of the distal biceps tendon is an uncommon injury, accounting for only 3% of all biceps brachii avulsions. The distal biceps typically ruptures in the dominant extremity of men between 40 and 60 years of age following an excessive eccentric contraction. Although this injury continues to be reported in the literature with increased frequency, complete rupture of the distal biceps in female patients is yet to be reported. We present 2 case reports of complete distal biceps tendon rupture in female patients. Both women, aged 58 and 72 years, were athletically active and sustained their injuries during sporting activities. Both surgical and nonoperative treatment were used in their care. Both patients subjectively considered their results excellent and returned unencumbered to their prior level of sporting activity by 16 weeks. We review these 2 cases of complete distal biceps rupture in female patients and consider the etiology of male dominance in this injury. We speculate that the increased level of activity and greater sports involvement of women at all ages will lead to an increased incidence in distal biceps tendon ruptures in female patients.