Single incision power optimizing cost-effective (SPOC) distal biceps repair

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine
• Tendon repair

Background:

• Distal biceps tendon tears often require surgical repair.
• Traditional repair methods may involve multiple incisions.
• Restoring full forearm function, especially supination strength, is a key goal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the outcomes of a single anterior incision distal biceps tendon repair.
• To evaluate if this technique reattaches the tendon to its posterior anatomic insertion site.
• To test the hypothesis that this repair maximizes supination torque throughout forearm rotation.

Main Methods:

• A consecutive series of 40 distal biceps tendon repairs using a single anterior incision technique.
• Reattachment to the posterior radial surface to optimize the biceps moment arm.
• Biodex Isokinetic Testing to quantify supination torque, work, and power.
• Minimum 12-month clinical follow-up and range of motion assessment.

Main Results:

• Seventeen of 27 eligible patients completed strength testing.
• Average supination strength was 91% of the uninjured side at 60 and 120 deg/sec.
• 93% of patients reported no pain and returned to normal activities.

Conclusions:

• A single anterior incision distal biceps tendon repair is a viable technique.
• This method effectively maximizes supination torque through the full range of forearm rotation.
• No specialized anchors or equipment are necessary for this repair.