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Early Postoperative Complications Following Partial Distal Biceps Tendon Surgical Repair
Lilah Fones1, Kyle Plusch1, Bright M Wiafe1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA.
Insights
Complications after partial distal biceps tendon (PDBT) repair occurred in 20.5% of patients, with most being minor and resolving without surgery. Surgical technique did not significantly impact overall complication rates.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
- Musculoskeletal research
Background:
- Partial distal biceps tendon (PDBT) tears are increasingly recognized.
- Data on the early complication rates following operative PDBT repair are limited.
- Understanding complication profiles is crucial for patient counseling and surgical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the early complication rate after surgical repair of PDBT tears.
- To identify the types and severity of early complications.
- To compare complication rates between single-incision and two-incision surgical techniques.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 112 patients undergoing PDBT repair over a 6-year period.
- Analysis of surgical approach (single vs. two-incision), demographics, and complications.
- Complications classified as major if reoperation was needed within 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- An overall early complication rate of 20.5% was observed in 112 patients.
- The majority of complications (82.6%) were minor, primarily sensory nerve symptoms.
- Four major complications occurred, including two reruptures, one vascular injury, and one deep infection.
Conclusions:
- The early complication rate following PDBT repair is significant but largely consists of minor, self-limiting issues.
- While sensory nerve symptoms were more common with the single-incision technique, overall major complication rates were low.
- Most minor complications resolved without further surgical intervention.
Purpose:
There are sparse data on complications following partial distal biceps tendon (PDBT) repair. The purpose of this study was to analyze the early complication rate following operative repair of PDBT tears. We hypothesized that a minority of patients would experience a complication and that most complications would be minor and self-limited, regardless of surgical technique.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review identified patients treated with surgical repair of PDBT tears at a large orthopedic subspecialty practice over a 6-year period. Patients' records were reviewed for surgical approach and method, demographics, and complications. Complications were classified as major if they necessitated reoperation within 12 weeks.
Results:
In total, 112 patients underwent PDBT repair via either a single-incision (71 patients; 63.4%) or two-incision (41 patients; 36.6%) technique. Within the first 3 months after surgery, complications were noted in 23 patients (rate 20.5%); 19 (82.6%) were minor, and four (17.4%) were major complications requiring return to the operating room within 12 weeks. Most minor complications were sensory nerve symptoms (56.5%). The rate of sensory symptoms was significantly higher with the single-incision (16.9%; 12/71) compared to two-incision technique (2.4%; 1/41). Major complications included two acute reruptures, one vascular injury, and one deep infection requiring anterior incision irrigation and debridement. Of the 13 patients with sensory symptoms, two later underwent removal of hardware and neurolysis for persistent symptoms outside the acute postoperative period.
Conclusions:
The early complication rate following PDBT repair was 20.5%. Of the patients who experienced complications, 83% were considered minor, and 90% of minor complications resolved without additional surgical intervention.
Type Of Study/Level Of Evidence:
Therapeutic IV.
