Functional evaluation after cortical button fixation for distal biceps ruptures - Is there any difference between...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Distal biceps tendon ruptures commonly affect active individuals.
• Understanding outcomes based on occupational demands is crucial for patient counseling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare clinical and functional results of distal biceps tendon repair.
• To evaluate outcomes in manual workers versus non-manual workers.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective comparative study of 57 distal biceps tendon ruptures.
• Patients divided into manual (24) and non-manual (33) worker groups.
• All treated with single-incision cortical button and interference screw fixation, with minimum 3-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in supination or flexion strength between groups.
• Some patients experienced loss of range of motion, correlating with poorer functional scores.
• Heterotopic ossification and lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve neuropraxia were observed complications, with most patients achieving full recovery.

Conclusions:

• Single-incision distal biceps tendon repair provides good to excellent mid-term functional results.
• No significant differences in outcomes were found between manual and non-manual workers.
• The surgical technique is effective regardless of occupational demands.