Repair of the distal biceps tendon using suture anchors and an anterior approach

The authors describe a technique for repair of the biceps tendon rupture from the radial tuberosity. A single anterior incision, limited volar dissection, and implantable bone anchors were used. With this technique, the authors have repaired the distal biceps tendon in 5 men (mean age, 39 years). Four patients were laborers and 1 was an athlete. Mechanism of injury was a single traumatic event with an unanticipated large load being applied to the flexed arm. Four patients were treated acutely and 1 was treated 6 months after injury. All patients returned to preinjury activity levels by 5 months after repair of the tendon. Clinically, all repairs remained intact (mean followup, 2.5 years). Range of motion was symmetric. No evidence of associated nerve injuries, heterotopic bone formation, or olecranon tenderness occurred. Subjective, as well as objective, results were excellent in those 5 patients whose distal biceps tendon was repaired by the single volar incision and implantable anchors.