An intact lacertus fibrosus improves strength after reinsertion of the distal biceps tendon

The importance of an intact lacertus fibrosus in distal biceps tendon injury is uncertain. This study aimed to assess long-term outcome following distal biceps tendon repair with focus on the significance of the lacertus fibrosus.

Thirty-six patients surgically treated for primary distal biceps tendon rupture were identified. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics in addition to surgery-related data. All patients underwent a targeted clinical examination to assess elbow function and they completed a patient reported questionnaire. Radiographs were obtained at time of follow-up and evaluated for the presence of osteoarthritis (OA) and heterotopic ossification (HO).

All patients were male. Median age at injury was 48 years (34-69) and median time of follow-up of was 71 months (23-165). All patients presented functional range of motion in the elbow. Median flexion strength was 76 Nm (45-135) (median 99% of uninjured side; range 66-128) with intact lacertus fibrosus and 70 Nm (43-124) (88%, 62-114) with torn lacertus fibrosus. Median supination strength was 6 Nm (3-11) (86%, range 36-144) with intact lacertus fibrosus and 8 Nm (3-17) (67%, 28-118) with torn lacertus fibrosus. No signs of OA were revealed, but three patients had major HO of which one patient had minor limitations in range of elbow motion.

An intact lacertus fibrosus contributes to elbow strength and should be preserved in distal biceps tendon repair.

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