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Anatomical refixation for acute ruptures of the distal biceps tendon using a novel transcortical refixation system

  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

In this study, minimally invasive CurvTek refixation is introduced as a novel approach for repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures. Exploration at the radial tuberosity is minimized using CurvTek, thereby reducing operative trauma. Treatment outcomes were compared for this technique against the conventional technique. In addition, we introduce position-dependent isometric myometry to allow quantitative measures of post-operative strength at specific elbow joint positions, for improved comparative analyses.

Materials and methods

Eighteen patients were included in this study and the mean follow-up was 17.6 months (range 6–35, SD ± 6.9). Nine patients underwent conventional anatomical refixation, while the remaining nine patients underwent anatomical refixation using CurvTek-sutures. Clinical results and position-dependent strength were compared.

Results

Mean age was 49.8 years (range 38–61; SD ± 5.8). The average EFA-score was 82.2 (range 61–97; SD ± 9.8). The CurvTek group scored a mean 87.0 (range 77–97; SD ± 7.0) and the conventional anatomical refixation group a mean 77.4 (range 61–93; SD ± 10.2) (P = 0.091). Position-dependent dynamic myometry revealed a loss of strength at end stage flexion and supination in the injured arm. Comparison of the two groups, revealed a statistically significant improvement in relative supination strength in the maximally supinated position for patients of the CurvTek group over those undergoing conventional refixation (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Our results show that the CurvTek system leads to good post-operative strength and ROM without increasing the complication rate.

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Conflict of interest

None of the authors or institutions involved, had any direct or indirect conflict of interest related to any products used in the current study. The financial resources for the current study have been provided only by the University of Freiburg, Germany.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79095, Freiburg i. Br, Germany

    Philipp Niemeyer, Wolfgang Köstler, Christopher J. Brook, Norbert P. Südkamp & Peter C. Strohm

  2. Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Medical Physics, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

    Thorsten Bley

  3. Department for Pathology, Albert-Ludwig-University, Freiburg, Germany

    Heike Göbel

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  1. Philipp Niemeyer
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  2. Wolfgang Köstler
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Correspondence to Philipp Niemeyer.

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Niemeyer, P., Köstler, W., Bley, T. et al. Anatomical refixation for acute ruptures of the distal biceps tendon using a novel transcortical refixation system. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 128, 573–581 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-007-0400-1

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