Distal biceps injuries: an overview

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Injuries

Background:

• Distal biceps injuries commonly affect middle-aged males, typically resulting from eccentric elbow flexion.
• Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, supplemented by imaging when necessary.
• Tears can be partial or full thickness, influencing treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnosis and management of distal biceps tendon injuries.
• To compare surgical and non-operative treatment outcomes.
• To discuss various surgical techniques and potential complications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of distal biceps tendon injuries.
• Analysis of diagnostic approaches, including clinical evaluation and imaging.
• Evaluation of surgical repair and reconstruction techniques for acute and chronic tears.

Main Results:

• Non-operative management is typically for older, lower-demand patients and may result in loss of supination and flexion strength.
• Surgical repair is the primary treatment, with different devices available for acute tears.
• Chronic tears may necessitate graft reconstruction, and surgical management has associated risks.

Conclusions:

• Surgical intervention is generally preferred for distal biceps tendon tears to preserve function.
• Non-operative treatment risks functional deficits, particularly in younger, active individuals.
• Understanding surgical techniques and potential complications is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.