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The functional outcome of forty-nine single-incision suture anchor repairs for distal biceps tendon ruptures at the elbow

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Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the functional results of distal biceps tendon repair using suture anchors via a single-incision approach.

Methods

Forty-nine patients were re-examined at a mean follow-up of 44.2 ± 32.1 months (range, 12–119 months). Subjective and objective criteria included patient’s satisfaction, active range of motion (ROM), maximum isometric strength in flexion (at 45° and 90°), and supination of both arms. Functional scoring included the Morrey elbow score (MES) and the QuickDASH. Furthermore, follow-up radiographs were performed.

Results

Eighty-six percent of patients were highly satisfied or satisfied with their outcome. Compared to contralateral, the active ROM of elbow flexion, extension, and pronation was not affected; however, supination was decreased by 3° (P < 0.001). The isometric maximum strengths showed significant deficits in all tested scenarios (at 45°, P = 0.002; at 90°, P < 0.001; for supination, P < 0.001). The MES and the QuickDASH were 97.2 ± 4.9 and 7.9 ± 13.9, respectively. Heterotopic ossifications (HO) were found in 39 % of patients; however, with respect to scores and strength, no significant differences were seen compared to patients without HO. Moreover, four anchor failures were detected.

Conclusions

Single-incision suture anchor repair provides high patient’s satisfaction and good results with respect to ROM and functional scoring. Nevertheless, based on presented data, the patient has to be informed of postoperative HO and especially for supination strength weakness after surgery. Distal biceps tendon repair should be reserved for experienced upper extremity surgeons to avoid procedure-related complications.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, D-81675, Munich, Germany

    Sebastian Siebenlist, Gunther H. Sandmann & Philipp Ahrens

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaningerstr. 22, D-81675, Munich, Germany

    Stephanie C. Fischer, Andreas B. Imhoff & Peter U. Brucker

  3. Institute of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, D-81675, Munich, Germany

    Petra Wolf

  4. BG Trauma Center, Eberhard Karls University, Schnarrenbergerstr. 95, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany

    Ulrich Stöckle

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  1. Sebastian Siebenlist
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Correspondence to Peter U. Brucker.

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Siebenlist, S., Fischer, S.C., Sandmann, G.H. et al. The functional outcome of forty-nine single-incision suture anchor repairs for distal biceps tendon ruptures at the elbow. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 38, 873–879 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-013-2200-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-013-2200-2

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