Distal biceps tendon rupture following elbow dislocation: A case report

Elbow dislocations occur following axial and valgus overloading leading to disruption of the stabilizing ligaments of the joint. Distal biceps tendon ruptures occur following eccentric overloading of the flexed elbow. Because of their distinctly different mechanisms of injury, there is no mention in the literature of these two pathologies occurring concurrently. A 41-year-old man presented to the emergency department with an elbow dislocation following an ATV rollover. One week after conservative management with splinting, he was found to have a concurrent distal biceps tendon rupture. The patient was managed with a combination of conservative and operative management and has since regained full range of motion and returned to activity without limitation. This report aims to demonstrate a successful management of a complex combination injury, and to reassure physicians that, even in rare combination injuries, adherence to the core principles of orthopedic management remains effective.