Distal Biceps Tendon Repair Using a Single Incision, Dual Anchor Technique

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Research

Background:

• Distal biceps tendon ruptures are common in middle-aged individuals, causing significant strength and endurance deficits.
• While operative management improves outcomes, consensus on the ideal surgical technique is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate an anterior, single-incision technique for distal biceps tendon repair using a dual anchor system.
• To assess the functional outcomes, including flexion and pronation, and complication rates associated with this surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• A single volar forearm incision is utilized to access and repair the distal biceps tendon.
• A dual anchor technique is employed, involving an all-suture intramedullary cortical button for distal fixation and a proximal suture anchor for supplemental fixation.

Main Results:

• The anterior, single-incision approach provides adequate exposure for dual anchor fixation and anatomic restoration.
• Patients treated with this technique demonstrated improved flexion and pronation at one year post-surgery.
• Lower rates of heterotopic ossification and reoperation were observed compared to other methods.

Conclusions:

• An anterior, single-incision distal biceps tendon repair with a dual anchor technique offers excellent surgical exposure and allows for anatomic fixation.
• This method enhances the bone-tendon interface, leading to improved functional outcomes and reduced complications.