Variables influencing successful two-incision distal biceps repair

This study elucidated the rate and type of complications after two-incision distal biceps tendon repairs. The study examined the predictive value of patient variables in identifying patients at risk for specific complications, and lastly, it evaluated the placement of the dorsal incision as a predictor of proximal radioulnar synostosis after two-incision repair. A single surgeon's series of 84 consecutive patients who had distal biceps tendon repair using the two-incision, modified Boyd and Anderson approach were retrospectively reviewed. A rate and complication profile was developed. Variable analysis was performed on the study. A second series, a referral group diagnosed with radioulnar synostosis after two-incision biceps repair, was also reviewed for comparison. Measurement of nearest distance of dorsal incision to the ulnar crest was made and compared between the study group and the referral group. Six different types of complications occurred with a total of 20 complications. Three complications required repeat operation. No patient variables were found to be statistically significant predictors of complications. The proximity of the dorsal incision to the ulnar crest correlated with the development of radioulnar synostosis. Two-incision distal biceps tendon repair has a low rate of major complications. Patient specific variables do not appear to be associated with the rate or type of complications. Placement of the dorsal incision on the ulnar crest may be associated with the development of radioulnar synostosis.