Chronic Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Surgical Approaches for Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture: Single-Incision Technique versus Double-Incision Technique.

Background: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the single-incision technique with a distal biceps repair system versus the modified double-incision technique, specifically the Morrey-modified approach, Krackow sutures, and drill holes, for the management of acute and chronic distal biceps tendon rupture. The study was conducted at the Orthopedic-Traumatology Clinic II of SCJUPBT Timisoara, Romania, between 2014 and 2022. Methods: A total of sixty-nine patients with acute distal biceps tendon rupture and five patients with chronic distal tendon rupture were included in the study. Forty-eight cases underwent the single-incision technique with the distal biceps repair system, while twenty-four patients were treated with the modified double-incision technique. Results: Both surgical techniques demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of successful tendon repair and functional restoration. However, the single-incision technique exhibited slightly superior results in terms of patient satisfaction, range of motion, and postoperative rehabilitation. The modified double-incision technique showed comparable outcomes but had a higher incidence of complications, particularly related to wound healing. Conclusion: The single-incision technique with the distal biceps repair system and the modified double-incision technique, including the Morrey-modified approach, Krackow sutures, and drill holes, are effective surgical approaches for the management of distal biceps tendon rupture. The single-incision technique yielded better functional outcomes and patient satisfaction, while the modified double-incision technique had a higher risk of complications. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is necessary to validate these findings and determine the most appropriate surgical approach for distal biceps tendon rupture.

Is a primary distal biceps tendon repair a matter of time? Comparison of functional outcome in a retrospective case-control study

Acute tendon ruptures are not always promptly recognized or referred appropriately, creating a delayed patients presentation to the surgeon. Previous reports have noted an increased complication rate of patients with a delay to surgery, however, there is a paucity of literature reporting functional outcomes of chronic/delayed distal biceps repair. With our clinical experience, we noticed that a chronic distal biceps tendon rupture can safely be directly repaired to the radial tuberosity. We hypothesized that delayed primary distal biceps tendon repair (> 21 days from injury) has similar functional outcomes and complication rate, compared to acute repair. A retrospective case-control study was used to compare the delayed (study) and acute (control) primary distal biceps tendon repair, performed between January 2017 and December 2021. Strength measurements were noted as a percentage of the unaffected contralateral side. Functional outcomes were recorded using the Visual Analog Scale, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and the Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation. All questionaries, including Satisfaction, were completed at the final follow-up. All clinical records were evaluated for any adverse events. We selected 210 out of 217 patients. The study and control cohort consisted of 75 and 135 patients respectively. Time to surgery was 73 ± 66.05 days versus 11.27 ± 5.14 days respectively. At short term (4.79 ± 2.09 months), the functional outcome in terms of Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and the Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation were statistically not significant different ( P = 0.354, P = 0.412 and P = 0.958, respectively). The mean flexion and supination strength were respectively 89.19 ± 13.43% and 77.48 ± 16.68%, similar for both cohorts ( P = 0.476 and P = 0.395, respectively). Significantly higher incidence of asymptomatic heterotopic ossification in the control cohort ( P = 0.006), however not difference in overall complication rate ( P = 0.072). At long term (28.9 ± 17.9 months), the functional outcomes remain similar. This study demonstrates that delayed primary distal biceps repair is reliable and overall safe Functional outcomes and strength did not changed with a delayed repair. There was a higher incidence of heterotopic ossification in acute distal biceps repair. The overall complication rate was similar, no matter what time to surgery.

Augmentation of Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures With the Lacertus Fibrosus: A Biomechanical Study in a Tendon-Deficient Model

Background: Chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures may require tendon graft augmentation secondary to tendon attrition or retraction. The lacertus fibrosus is a local, cost-effective graft that can be used to supplement reconstruction. Purpose: To compare the biomechanical strength of distal biceps tendon repairs with and without lacertus fibrosus augmentation in a tendon-deficient cadaveric model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Sixteen fresh-frozen matched cadaveric pairs of elbows were randomized into 2 groups: (1) standard distal biceps tendon repair and (2) tendon-deficient (50% step cut) repair with lacertus fibrosus augmentation. All repairs were completed using an oval bone trough and 2 double-loaded No. 2 braided nonabsorbable sutures in a locked Krackow fashion tied over a lateral bone bridge. For the lacertus augmentation group, the lacertus was wrapped circumferentially in a tubular fashion around the tendon to restore the native size and incorporated into the Krackow suture. All specimens underwent cyclic loading and then were loaded to failure. Displacement, stiffness, load to failure, and mode of failure were recorded. Results: The standard repair and lacertus augmentation groups had similar displacements on cyclic loading (1.66 ± 0.62 vs 1.62 ± 0.58 mm, respectively; P = .894). The stiffness was significantly greater for the standard repair group (21.3 ± 2.5 vs 18.5 ± 3.5 N/mm; P = .044). Both groups provided excellent mean peak load to failure strengths, despite the standard repair group having significantly greater strength (462.4 ± 140.5 vs 377.3 ± 101.1 N; P = .022). The primary mode of failure in the standard repair group was fracture at the bone bridge (n = 5/8) compared with suture pullout (n = 4/8) in the lacertus augmentation group. Conclusion: Lacertus fibrosus augmentation of a tendon-deficient biceps repair was less stiff and had lower mean load to failure compared with repair of the native tendon in this cadaveric model, but these values remained biomechanically acceptable above critical thresholds. Consequently, lacertus fibrosus augmentation is a viable option for chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures with tendon attrition. Clinical Relevance: Chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures may require autograft or allograft reconstruction secondary to tendon scarring, shortening, attrition, and degeneration. The lacertus fibrosus is a cost-effective and low-morbidity local autograft that can be used to augment repairs.

Distal biceps repair through a single incision with the use of a knotless cortical button device: Mid-term results.

Distal biceps rupture presents with an increasing incidence and evidence suggests that although a surgical repair is not mandatory, it results in superior functional outcomes when compared to non-operative management. As implant technology has advanced, several devices have been utilised and studied in managing this pathology. We present our single-centre experience with the use of the ToggleLoc Ziploop reattachment device, a knotless cortical button implant, using a single-incision technique. Retrospective series of 70 consecutive distal biceps tendon repairs, at a mean follow-up of 45.6 months after surgery, using a standardised single implant, single-incision technique, and post-operative rehabilitation programme. There was one (1.4%) re-rupture in our patient cohort. The range of motion was complete in all patients except for one patient who had symptomatic heterotopic ossification, causing limitation in pronation. Complications were minor with the commonest being transient neuropraxia of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm. The mean Oxford elbow score was 46.9 out of 48, and the patient global impression of change scale was 7 out of 7 in 77% of cases. Our data support this technique and implant combination when dealing with acute and chronic distal biceps tendon rupture.

Chronic Distal Biceps Tendon Tear Reconstruction With Tibialis Anterior Allograft

Chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures present a unique surgical challenge due to tendon retraction and shortening as well as muscle atrophy. Several graft choices and fixation methods have been described, with no one technique proving superior to date. We describe a technique wherein a tibialis anterior tendon allograft is Pulver-Taft weaved through the muscle belly to achieve incorporation with the muscle and tendonous fascia to achieve superior pull-out strength.

Surgical outcomes and complications following distal biceps tendon reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundPrimary repair of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures may not be possible because of tendon retraction, and there remains no clear consensus on the type of reconstruction technique used. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcomes and complication rates following reconstruction of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures.MethodsA systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. The following databases were searched: Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary outcomes of interest included range of motion, strength, and functional outcome scores. Secondary outcomes included complication, reoperation, and revision rates. Outcomes and complication rates of each graft type and fixation technique were aggregated and compared with nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank and rank sum tests. Spearman rank coefficients were calculated for time from injury to surgery on all outcomes.ResultsThere were no significant differences found between the graft type or fixation technique for postoperative range of motion, strength, and patient-reported outcomes. Postoperative complications were substantially higher in the autograft group (34%) as compared to the allograft group (14%). The fixation technique used also demonstrated a significantly increased complication rate in the weave group compared with the onlay group (34% and 9%, respectively).ConclusionOur results do not reveal any statistically significant differences between groups in the primary outcomes. However, substantially higher complication rates were observed in the autograft and weave cohorts; more than half of the complications related to the use of autograft were associated with donor site morbidity. No specific graft type was identified as superior, although this may be due to the small patient numbers included within this study.

Chronic distal biceps avulsion treated with suture button

Distal biceps tendon avulsions account for 3%-10% of all biceps ruptures. Treated nonoperatively, these injuries lead to a loss of endurance, supination strength, and flexion strength compared with operative repair or reconstruction. Operative management of chronic injury has classically been with graft tissue to augment the contracted muscle. We present our results for chronic distal biceps avulsions secured with suture button through a single transverse incision in high flexion without the need for allograft augmentation. This was a retrospective review of 20 patients with 21 injuries who underwent primary surgical repair of chronic distal biceps tendon avulsions at an average of 10 weeks (range 4-42 weeks). All patients were treated with a single transverse incision with a suture button armed with nonabsorbable no. 2 core sutures. Postoperatively patients were found to have 50°-90° flexion contracture. All patients were placed in a simple sling postoperatively with gentle extension to gravity as tolerated immediately and no formal physical therapy. Patients were surveyed regarding pre- and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and overall satisfaction. Range of motion (ROM), flexion, and supination strength compared to the contralateral uninjured extremity were evaluated at final follow-up. Mean clinical follow-up was 26 months. All patients regained full ROM and 5/5 flexion and supination strength at final follow-up. MEPSs were 100 for all responding patients compared with an average 47.5 preoperatively (P < .0001). The mean postoperative ASES score was 97.2 compared with 41.9 preoperatively (P < .0001). Mean OESs pre- and postoperatively were 24.2 and 48, respectively (P < .0001). The mean VAS score was 4.4 preoperatively and was reported as 0 by all patients at final follow-up (P < .0001). Two patients had transient sensory radial nerve neuropathy, and 1 patient has persistent palsy. No synostoses occurred. Four patients reported supination fatigue postoperatively compared with the uninjured extremity. Given these results, we feel that chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures can be repaired successfully with a single incision using suture button technique without the use of a graft. Though the flexion contracture is significant postoperatively, all patients regained full ROM and had excellent postoperative functional outcome scores.

Reconstruction of Chronic Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture With Autogenous Semitendinosis Graft Using the “Anatomic Length Method” and Concomitant Bicipital Aponeurosis Repair

We present a novel variation of a surgical technique for reconstruction of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures using the “Anatomic Length Method.” Graft length for chronic distal biceps tendon rupture reconstruction is extremely variable and typically empirically determined by elbow position during final fixation. These techniques do not account for chronicity and varying degrees of retraction and muscle shortening. For this unique variation in the surgical technique, the graft length used is based on previous anatomic cadaveric measurements done in our center with an external distal biceps tendon length mean of 6.3 cm. In addition, our technique routinely reconstructs the bicipital aponeurosis. This allows for a highly reproducible surgical technique and restores a more normal biceps anatomy and muscle length-tension relationship.

Distal Biceps Rupture—Achilles Augmentation Technique

The treatment of chronic distal biceps ruptures is challenging. Direct anatomical reinsertion is often difficult as a consequence of tendon retraction, muscle atrophy, and scar tissue. Nonanatomical repair is a controversial option. Repair and reinforcement with autografts or allografts is a reliable option. Achilles allograft has several advantages over other grafts. Indications to this procedure are discussed as well as surgical tips and tricks; in addition, outcomes and complications from the available literature are reported. The literature is lacking on this specific field. Only few case series describe surgical tips and report clinical outcomes. Good results are generally reported in terms of function and strength recovery bot in flexion and supination. Complications, mainly involving neurological problem, are similar to those observed in acute cases. Achilles tendon allograft is a reliable option to reinforce the anatomical repair of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures. Proximal tendinous portion wraps biceps muscle to ensure solid interface. Distal calcaneus bone plug allows for bone-to-bone fixation. The choice of which is the best option for distal fixation and postoperative protocol are still debated issues.

A 3-Dimensional Anatomic Study of the Distal Biceps Tendon: Implications for Surgical Repair and Reconstruction.

BackgroundComplete rupture of the distal biceps tendon from its osseous attachment is most often treated with operative intervention. Knowledge of the overall tendon morphology as well as the orientation of the collagenous fibers throughout the musculotendinous junction are key to intraoperative decision making and surgical technique in both the acute and chronic setting. Unfortunately, there is little information available in the literature.PurposeTo comprehensively describe the morphology of the distal biceps tendon.Study DesignDescriptive laboratory study.MethodsThe distal biceps terminal musculature, musculotendinous junction, and tendon were digitized in 10 cadaveric specimens and data reconstructed using 3-dimensional modeling.ResultsThe average length, width, and thickness of the external distal biceps tendon were found to be 63.0, 6.0, and 3.0 mm, respectively. A unique expansion of the tendon fibers within the distal muscle was characterized, creating a thick collagenous network along the central component between the long and short heads.ConclusionThis study documents the morphologic parameters of the native distal biceps tendon. Reconstruction may be necessary, especially in chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures, if the remaining tendon morphology is significantly compromised compared with the native distal biceps tendon. Knowledge of normal anatomical distal biceps tendon parameters may also guide the selection of a substitute graft with similar morphological characteristics.Clinical RelevanceA thorough description of distal biceps tendon morphology is important to guide intraoperative decision making between primary repair and reconstruction and to better select the most appropriate graft. The detailed description of the tendinous expansion into the muscle may provide insight into better graft-weaving and suture-grasping techniques to maximize proximal graft incorporation.

CHRONIC DISTAL BICEPS TENDON RUPTURE: RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF OUTOCOMES OF A NOVEL TECHNIQUE OF RECONSTRUCTION WITH TENDON GRAFT

IntroductionThe biceps brachii muscle is the primary forearm supinator and a secondary elbow flexor. The pathophysiology of distal tendon ruptures is still unclear. Patients with chronic rupture presenting 4–6 weeks...

Late Reconstruction of Chronic Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures Using Fascia Lata Autograft and Suture Anchor Fixation

Distal biceps tendon ruptures are a rare injury, and surgical reconstruction is typically recommended for chronic ruptures. There is no consensus regarding the most appropriate reconstruction technique. We present our experience with reconstruction of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures with fascia lata autograft, secured to the bicipital tuberosity with suture anchors. A single anterior incision is used for all patients. Tension is set with the elbow in 50 degrees of flexion. Ninety-two percent of our patients reported improvement in elbow flexion and supination and were pleased with the surgery. Range of motion and isokinetic flexion and supination strength after this procedure was comparable with other distal biceps tendon reconstruction options using tendon grafts and suture anchor fixation from a single anterior approach. Furthermore, common complications associated with distal biceps tendon repair and reconstruction can be avoided with this technique. We therefore feel that this technique is a viable surgical treatment alternative with good subjective and objective outcomes. Level IV.

Reconstruction of Chronic Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture using Fascia Lata Autograft

ABSTRACT Introduction Distal biceps tendon ruptures are a rare injury and surgical reconstruction is typically recommended for chronic ruptures. There is no consensus regarding the most appropriate reconstruction technique. We present our experience with fascia lata autograft reconstructions of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures using a modified single incision technique and distal fixation with suture anchors. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 12 male patients with chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures who had reconstruction using a fascia lata autograft through a single anterior approach. The age ranged from 29 to 62 years. The average delay to surgery was 26.5 weeks (range 6-68 weeks). A modified single anterior incision was utilized for all patients. Fascia lata autograft was attached distally to the bicipital tuberosity using suture anchors. Tension was set with the elbow in 50° of flexion. The average follow-up was 14.5 months (range 1.5-66 months). All patients were treated by the senior author (MSM). Results Eleven patients (92%) reported subjective improvement in elbow flexion and supination strength, as well as painless range of motion. The average elbow flexion/ extension arc was 126° (5° flexion to 131° flexion) and the average supination/pronation arc was 167 degrees (87° pronation to 80° supination). Five patients underwent isokinetic flexion strength testing which revealed a restoration of 86% of strength when compared to the uninvolved side. Four patients underwent supination isokinetic strength testing which revealed a restoration of 87% of strength when compared to uninvolved side. Four patients reported numbness in the superficial radial nerve distribution that recovered within 12 months. There were no cases of heterotopic ossification or graft rupture. There was one case of wound dehiscence at the elbow that required local flap coverage and went on to heal uneventfully. Aside from a small muscle bulge at the donor site, there were no donor site complications. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the largest case series of patients undergoing distal biceps tendon reconstruction using fascia lata autograft. Our study has demonstrated a low complication rate with functional results similar to those reported in the literature utilizing a similar technique. We conclude that this technique offers a surgical treatment alternative that yields satisfactory functional outcomes with a low risk of complication. Morrell NT, Mercer DM, Moneim MS. Reconstruction of Chronic Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture using Fascia Lata Autograft. The Duke Orthop J 2012;2(1):55-59.

Repair of Acute and Chronic Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures Using the Endobutton

There are many ways to repair distal biceps tendon ruptures with no outcome studies demonstrating superiority of a specific technique. There are few studies reporting on the repair of acute and chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures using the EndoButton via an anterior single-incision approach. We report on 27 patients who underwent distal biceps tendon repair with an EndoButton. The average age was 50.1years (range, 36-78). There were 17 acute repairs (within 4weeks of injury), nine chronic repairs (greater than 4weeks), and one revision of a previous acute repair. All chronic repairs were repaired without the need for graft augmentation. Patients were assessed postoperatively using the ASES elbow outcome instrument and isokinetic flexion and supination strength and endurance testing. Eight control subjects were also tested for comparison. At an average follow-up of 30.9months, 26 of 27 patients returned to their previous employment and activity level. The average ASES elbow score was 98.2 (range, 81-100). Compared with the contralateral extremity, there was no loss of motion. Average flexion strength recovery was 101% and mean supination strength recovery was 99%. There was no significant difference in function or strength with repair of acute versus chronic ruptures. Using the EndoButton technique, acute and chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures can be repaired safely with excellent clinical results.

Operative Treatment of Chronic Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures

Chronic biceps tendon ruptures typically involve tendon retraction, scarring, and even compromised tissue. Indirect repair, such as tenodesis to the brachialis, does not provide optimal functional recovery. Chronic biceps tendon ruptures can be reconstructed with autogenous grafts (semitendinosis, tensor fascia lata) or allografts (typically Achilles tendon). The complications associated with these grafts include harvest site morbidity and graft incorporation. Using a vascularized local soft tissue source could minimize complications of graft reconstructions. The authors provide a novel reconstructive technique, reconstruction using the lacertus fibrosis, as a local graft source for chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures.

Late reconstruction of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures with a semitendinosus autograft technique

We compared 2 groups of patients with chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures, 7 patients treated nonoperatively and 7 undergoing semitendinosus autograft tendon reconstruction. The mean time to surgery after the initial injury was 17 weeks. The mean clinical follow-up in the operative group was 63 months. Functional strength and endurance testing was measured at a mean of 30 months after injury in the nonoperative group and 26 months in the operative group. A 2-incision technique was used. In the allograft reconstruction group, flexion and supination strength was restored to the normal range. The nonoperative group lacked 20% of normal strength. Endurance in both groups was within the normal range. Autograft semitendinosus reconstruction in chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures improves flexion and supination strength when compared with nonoperative treatment. No radial nerve injuries or heterotopic ossification occurred, and all reconstructions remain intact.

Repair of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures using autologous hamstring graft and the Endobutton

The purpose of this study was to report the results of anatomic repair for chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures by use of a semitendinosus autograft with the Endobutton. All 9 patients were satisfied with their outcome (mean, 8.0 on a visual analog scale ranging from 1–10) and were able to return to their jobs. The mean pain score was 0.5, and the postoperative flexion arc was from 3° to 147°, with supination to 75° and pronation to 62°. The mean Mayo Clinic Elbow Score was 96.3 (range, 85–100). Cybex testing was carried out on 1 patient, demonstrating a marked improvement in supination strength. This technique yields good results with a high degree of patient satisfaction and no complications. An advantage of the technique is the concept of prefabrication, allowing the graft to be sutured to the biceps outside the wound and locked onto the radial tuberosity with the Endobutton.

Repair of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures: Indications and use of tendon grafts

Reconstruction of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures is complicated by the substantial retraction and poor quality of the remaining muscle and tendon tissue. Several types of tendon grafts have been described to augment the repair and restore length including both allografts and autografts. To date, we have found the Achilles tendon allografts to be perhaps the most reliable and versatile graft to reconstruct the chronic distal biceps tendon rupture and, when required, it has provided satisfactory clinical results in this difficult clinical setting.

Reconstruction of chronic distal biceps tendon rupture with use of fascia lata combined with a ligament augmentation device: A report of 3 cases

J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2002;11:633-6