[Surgical treatment for distal rupture of the biceps tendon]

Avulsion of the distal biceps brachii tendon at the elbow is uncommon. We analyzed cases operated in our department in order to define etiological factors and surgical treatment outcome.

We reviewed retrospectively eleven patients, ten male patients, average age 43 years (range 37-59) with distal biceps tendon ruptures repaired anatomically with a double-incision technique and one other male patient whose tendon was attached to the brachialis anterior. Nine patients were seen for clinical assessment at least two years after operation.

Average follow-up was 7 years (range 1-10). Patient satisfaction was good and all stated they would opt for surgical treatment again. The most common mechanism of injury was heavy weight lifting with the elbow at 90 degrees flexion or excentric loading on a flexed elbow. The dominant limb was injured in all patients. Eight patients had sustained injury during domestic activities and three during sports activities. Clinical diagnosis was the rule. MRI was useful in patients seen late after injury. We found nine cases of avulsion located at the bicipital tuberosity. All subjective results were good. Strength testing of the injured limbs revealed a loss of 30% supination strength and 40% supination endurance for the anatomic reinsertions. For the non-anatomic reinsertion, there was a 50% decrease in strength and 60% decrease in endurance. Clinical follow-up after seven years showed no nerve damage or heterotopic bone formation.

Anatomic repair of distal biceps tendon rupture provides consistently good results. Attachment of the brachial tendon to the brachial anterior muscle cannot restore supination force. The two-incision technique with the extensor mass-splitting approach described by Boyd and Anderson lessens the risk of radial nerve plasty.

Early anatomic reconstruction can restore more strength and endurance for supination. Attachment of the brachialis muscle must be considered in the event of late reconstruction. Subjective satisfaction with functional outcome has been excellent for all patients.