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High complication rate following distal biceps refixation with cortical button
Marc Banerjee1, Sven Shafizadeh, Bertil Bouillon
1Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Health-School of Medicine, Cologne Merheim Medical Center, Witten/Herdecke University, Ostmerheimerstr. 200, 51109, Cologne, Germany, marc.banerjee@gmx.de.
Distal biceps tendon repair using the cortical button technique has a high complication rate, leading to poorer functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. Surgeons must be aware of these specific risks to minimize complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Distal biceps tendon ruptures require surgical repair.
- Various refixation techniques exist with differing complication rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes and complication rates of distal biceps tendon repair using the cortical button technique.
Main Methods:
- A case series of 27 male patients undergoing distal biceps tendon repair with a cortical button.
- Evaluation of clinical results, complications, elbow flexion/supination strength, and heterotopic ossification.
- Average follow-up of 36.1 months.
Main Results:
- High complication rate (14 complications in 9 patients), including nerve injuries and heterotopic ossification.
- Patients with complications showed significantly lower functional scores (Mayo Elbow Performance Score, ASES) and reduced supination strength.
- Mean Mayo elbow performance score: 95.9, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score: 1.9, ASES score: 94.6.
Conclusions:
- The cortical button technique for distal biceps tendon repair is associated with a high complication rate.
- Complications negatively impact functional results and patient satisfaction.
- Awareness and avoidance of technique-specific complications are crucial for surgeons.
