Resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de las roturas del tendón distal del bíceps braquial con técnicas de una y dos incisiones

Abstract

Purpose To compare the results achieved by one- and two-incision techniques in the reattachment of the distal biceps tendon. Materials and methods Review of 59 patients with an acute rupture of the distal biceps brachii tendon diagnosed over a 14-year period (1990–2004). All patients were male, of a mean age of 46 years. In most cases the rupture had been brought about by a forceful flexion of the elbow in combination with resisted supination. Fifty-seven patients were subjected to surgery: tendon detachment was found in 50 cases, a fully ruptured tendon at 1–2 cm of the attachment site in 5 cases and a partial rupture in 2. Henry's anterior approach was used in 36 cases and Boyd and Anderson's combined approach in 21. The use of suture anchors facilitates reattachment. Results were assessed by means of Broberg and Morrey's scale. Results The most usual complications were radial nerve lesions, wound dehiscences and complex regional pain syndrome type 1. No significant differences were found between the two approaches in terms of complications. Mean time to work resumption was 21 weeks. None of the cases resulted in occupational disability. The final result was rated as excellent in 54 patients and good in 3. Conclusion Surgical treatment affords good results in ruptures of distal biceps brachii, although it is not exempt from complications.