[Subcutaneous tendon ruptures of the upper arm]

25 subcutaneous tendon ruptures of the upper arm were operatively treated between 1982 and 1985. The long biceps tendon was ruptured fifteen times, the distal biceps tendon eight times and the triceps tendon twice. Operative procedures and the functional results are described. The follow-up investigation was undertaken on an average of 14 months after operation. Mechanism of injury and variations of histological findings in the different tendons are compared. The functional results are good. The operative treatment of subcutaneous tendon ruptures of the upper arm is therefore recommended.