Factors associated with adverse events after distal biceps tendon repair or reconstruction

Factors associated with adverse events after distal biceps tendon repair or reconstruction are incompletely understood. This study examined factors associated with adverse events, prevalence of adverse events, and rate of second surgeries after distal biceps repair or reconstruction.

Between January 2002 and March 2015, 373 adult patients who underwent repair or reconstruction of the distal biceps tendon at 1 of 3 area hospitals were analyzed to determine factors associated with adverse events after surgical repair or reconstruction of the distal biceps tendon.

Of 373 distal biceps tendon repairs or reconstructions, 82 (22%) had an adverse event; 5.3% were major adverse events. In multivariable analysis, a single-incision anterior approach and obesity were associated with a higher rate of adverse events. Fifteen patients (18% of patients with an adverse event and 4% of all patients) had a second surgery after distal biceps tendon surgery.

Patients should be counseled that 1 in 5 patients will have a minor complication and 1 in 20 patients will have a major complication after surgery on the distal biceps tendon. The most common adverse event is lateral antebrachial cutaneous neurapraxia.