Darlis and Sotereanos reported anatomic reconstruction of chronic distal biceps ruptures with an Achilles tendon allograft through a single anterior incision.
Retrospective series of 7 men (mean age 38) presenting a mean 28 weeks after injury, followed a mean 29 months.
Key Findings
Mean isometric supination torque was 87% of the other arm (range 65% to 118%), not adjusted for dominance. Manual strength was 5/5 in all.
All 7 returned to their previous occupations, 1 with duty restrictions, and all were pain free at rest.
Mean flexion was 145°, pronation 83° and supination 86°. One patient lacked 20° of extension and the rest had full extension.
The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 97, with 6 excellent and 1 good.
The only complication was one clinically insignificant heterotopic ossification, and no suture anchor moved.
Board pearl
High‑demand patients were grafted if repair needed over 70° flexion. The authors note that biceps‑to‑brachialis repair, the simpler salvage, does not restore supination strength.
Authors' conclusion
The technique is an excellent alternative to nonanatomic repair in symptomatic patients who have high functional demands in supination in their occupational or athletic activities.
Darlis and Sotereanos reported anatomic reconstruction of chronic distal biceps ruptures with an Achilles tendon allograft through a single anterior incision.
Retrospective series of 7 men (mean age 38) presenting a mean 28 weeks after injury, followed a mean 29 months.
Key Findings
Mean isometric supination torque was 87% of the other arm (range 65% to 118%), not adjusted for dominance. Manual strength was 5/5 in all.
All 7 returned to their previous occupations, 1 with duty restrictions, and all were pain free at rest.
Mean flexion was 145°, pronation 83° and supination 86°. One patient lacked 20° of extension and the rest had full extension.
The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 97, with 6 excellent and 1 good.
The only complication was one clinically insignificant heterotopic ossification, and no suture anchor moved.
Board pearl
High‑demand patients were grafted if repair needed over 70° flexion. The authors note that biceps‑to‑brachialis repair, the simpler salvage, does not restore supination strength.
Authors' conclusion
The technique is an excellent alternative to nonanatomic repair in symptomatic patients who have high functional demands in supination in their occupational or athletic activities.