Acute distal biceps ruptures: single incision repair by use of suture anchors

• Main Authors: Rafael Almeida Maciel, Priscilla Silva Costa, Eduardo Antônio Figueiredo, Paulo Santoro Belangero, Alberto de Castro Pochini, Benno Ejnisman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia
• Series: Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia
• Subjects: Cotovelo/cirurgia; Cotovelo/lesões; Resultado de tratamento
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-36162017000200148&lng=en&tlng=en

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: Clinical and functional assessment of the surgical treatment for acute injury of the distal insertion of the biceps brachial performed with a surgical technique using a single incision in proximal forearm and fixation with suture anchors in the radial tuberosity. METHODS: This study reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgical treatment of distal biceps injury during the period between January 2008 and July 2014. In a mean follow-up of 12 months, 22 patients with complete and acute injury, diagnosed through physical examination and imaging studies, were functionally assessed in the postoperative period regarding the range of motion (degrees of flexion-extension and pronation-supination), the presence of pain (VAS), the Andrews Carson-score, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). RESULTS: During the postoperative follow-up assessment, no patient reported pain by VAS scale; all were satisfied with the esthetic appearance of the surgery. The range of articular movement remained unchanged at 95.4% of patients, with the loss of 8° of supination in one patient. No changes in muscle strength were observed. The results of the Andrews-Carson score were good in 4.6% and excellent in 95.4% of cases; the MEPS presented 100% of excellent results. The rate of complications was 27.2%, similar to the literature. CONCLUSION: Surgical repair of acute injury of the distal biceps trough a single incision in the proximal forearm and fixation with two suture anchors in the radial tuberosity is an effective and safe therapeutic option, allowing early motion and good functional results.