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All Suture Bone Tunnel Docking Technique for Distal Biceps Tendon Repair
Dustin J Kress1, Amber Lopez1, Nicolas Artz1
1Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine San Francisco California U.S.A.
Arthroscopy Techniques
|July 25, 2026
Summary
A novel bone tunnel technique offers a cost-effective solution for distal biceps tendon ruptures, avoiding hardware complications. This method preserves natural healing and reduces costs compared to traditional hardware fixation.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Tendon Repair
Background:
- Distal biceps tendon ruptures cause significant functional deficits, including 40-50% loss of supination strength.
- Current hardware-based fixation methods have high costs, complication rates (20-25%), and technical complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a cost-effective bone tunnel technique for distal biceps tendon repair.
- To compare the bone tunnel technique with hardware-based methods regarding cost, complications, and functional outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a single 5cm anterior incision, protecting the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve.
- Created an anatomic footprint bone tunnel using a spade-tip drill and 7mm reaming.
- Secured the tendon with #2 FiberLoop sutures, fixed via sutures around the radius shaft.
Main Results:
- Eliminates expensive implants and intraoperative imaging requirements.
- Preserves natural tendon-bone healing through biological integration.
- Offers reduced complexity and cost compared to hardware-based methods.
Conclusions:
- The bone tunnel technique provides reliable fixation for distal biceps tendon ruptures.
- This method is a cost-effective alternative to hardware fixation, maintaining anatomic restoration.
- The technique is accessible and associated with fewer complications and lower costs.
