Surgical repair of the distal biceps brachii tendon: a comparative study of three surgical fixation techniques

Abstract

Several fixation techniques exist to repair the distal biceps brachii tendon. We aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes after distal biceps tendon repair using three different fixation techniques. A total of 54 patients were included in the study and were available for follow-up (mean, 30.7 months; SD 18.6). Surgery was performed using a single-incision approach with Corkscrews or Mitek suture anchors or with a two-incision exposure using transosseous sutures. The patients were evaluated with range of motion (ROM) measurements for flection/extension and pronation/supination as well as Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. Furthermore, the duration of surgery and the length of hospital stay as well as the complication rate were analyzed. Fifty-four out of 73 patients were available after a mean follow-up time of 30.7 months (SD 18.6) for clinical evaluation. There was no statistical significant difference between the three groups comparing the mean DASH score, the length of hospital stay, the duration of surgery, or the ROM. The most common complication was neurapraxia, with 6 cases. All 3 reruptures were registered in the Mitek anchors group. Two patients in the Mitek anchors group required an open arthrolysis due to stiffness of the elbow. In summary, we achieved good clinical and functional results after surgical repair of the distal biceps tendon using Corkscrews, Mitek anchors, or transosseous sutures. The results conferred by Corkscrews were comparable to the other techniques, justifying their use.