[Surgical treatment of distal biceps tendon ruptures with bone anchors using a single anterior approach]

To evaluate the clinical results of reinsertion of the distal biceps tendon with anterior bone anchors.

A retrospective study was conducted on 79 patients who underwent reinsertion of the distal biceps tendon with anterior bone anchors. The mean age was 46 years (range, 32-64). Two anchors were used in 57% of cases, and one anchor in 43%. The same postoperative protocol was performed in all patients. Functional assessment was made using a Motor evoked potentials (MEPS) functional scale. The mean of follow-up time was 20 months (range, 12 -28 months).

The final mean of MEPS score was 95.2 points (SD 6.8). Almost all (94%) patients had excellent and good results, and 6% a bad result. No differences were observed when comparing functional outcome among patients in whom one anchor was used (96 points) with those in whom two anchors were used (95 points), p=0.5. The mean time off work was 14 weeks (range, 5-56) and 100% of patients were able to return to work. The incidence of complications was 13%. The most frequent was neuropraxia of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.

The anatomic re-attachment of the distal biceps tendon with bone anchors using a single anterior approach is a safe technique that offers excellent and good functional results in the medium term.