Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
07:22
Arthroscopic Management of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Whole Rotator Cable Reconstruction Using Proximal Biceps Tendon Autograft
Published on: June 6, 2025
740
Distal biceps tendon injuries: A clinically relevant current concepts review
Eduard Alentorn-Geli1, Andrew T Assenmacher1, Joaquín Sánchez-Sotelo1
1Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
EFORT Open Reviews
|May 3, 2017
Summary
Distal biceps tendon (DBT) injuries range from bursitis to complete tears. Acute tears often benefit from primary repair, while chronic tears may require reconstruction, with various fixation methods yielding similar outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Distal biceps tendon (DBT) injuries encompass a range of conditions, including bursitis, partial tears, and acute or chronic complete tears.
- Non-operative management is an option for low-demand patients with complete DBT tears, acknowledging potential residual weakness in forearm supination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a clinically relevant current concepts review of distal biceps tendon injuries.
- To summarize current understanding and treatment strategies for the spectrum of DBT disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on distal biceps tendon injuries.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes for acute and chronic DBT tears, including surgical techniques and fixation methods.
Main Results:
- Acute DBT tears are typically managed with primary repair (single or double incision), offering good outcomes but with specific risks (nerve complications for single, heterotopic ossification for double).
- Various fixation techniques (bone tunnels, buttons, anchors, screws) show comparable clinical results despite differences in fixation strength.
- Chronic DBT tears may be amenable to primary repair if viable tendon exists, or reconstruction using autograft or allograft, both demonstrating positive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Treatment decisions for DBT injuries depend on tear acuity, chronicity, and patient demand.
- Both surgical repair and reconstruction techniques offer effective solutions for DBT injuries, with careful consideration of potential complications and fixation methods.
