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Complications following distal biceps repair
Richard A Cain1, Jason A Nydick, Matthew I Stein
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|September 4, 2012
Summary
Surgical repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures is associated with common minor complications like nerve paresthesia, but major issues are infrequent. Delayed repair (over 28 days) increases complication risk.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Upper Extremity Injuries
Background:
- Distal biceps tendon ruptures are uncommon injuries.
- Surgical repair aims to restore flexion and supination strength.
- Understanding associated complications is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the complications associated with surgical repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures.
- To analyze the incidence and types of complications in a large patient series.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 198 consecutive patients undergoing distal biceps tendon repair.
- Evaluation of time from injury to repair, surgical technique, and complication rates.
Main Results:
- 36% of patients experienced complications; 6% required additional surgery.
- Common minor complications included nerve paresthesia (32% total) and superficial infection (2%).
- Major complications were infrequent, including posterior interosseous nerve injury (4%), heterotopic ossification (3%), and re-rupture (2%).
Conclusions:
- Minor complications, primarily sensory nerve injuries, are common but often resolve.
- Major complications and the need for revision surgery are infrequent.
- Complications were more frequent when distal biceps tendon repair was performed more than 28 days post-injury.
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