Surgical repair of the distal biceps brachii tendon: clinical and isokinetic long-term follow-up

Anatomical reinsertion of the avulsed distal biceps tendon is the recommended treatment, but the results are hampered by complications. The purpose of this study is to show the results of patients surgically treated with a non-anatomical reinsertion of this tendon. From 1972 to 2006, 26 non-professional athletic patients were surgically treated by suture of the tendon on the brachialis muscle tendon. At follow-up 23/26 patients underwent clinical and isokinetic evaluation. At a medium follow-up of 84 months, patients provided satisfactory subjective and objective clinical results. Flexion was restored in all patients, while a 10° supination deficit was found in two patients. Dynamometric tests showed satisfactory results both regarding Maximum Strength Power and Endurance tests. Reinsertion of the distal biceps tendon on the brachialis tendon can be considered, in a long-term follow-up, a safe and effective procedure, with low complication rate.     

Bilateral rupture of the distal tendon of the biceps brachii

We report a case of bilateral simultaneous rupture of the distal tendon of die biceps brachii muscle. A 56-year-old yachtsman had a double-sided rupture of the distal tendon of the biceps brachii On die left side die biceps tendon was sutured to me fascia of me brachialis muscle 3 months after me injury. On me right side, 3 months later, the procedure was supplemented with tendon transplantation with anatomical reinsertion. The operative treatment was followed by immobilization and rehabilitation. After 6 months die transplantation failed, and bilaterally me range of motion of the elbow including forearm rotation was normalized, the power of flexion was slightly reduced and me power of supination was markedly reduced. Two years after surgery, me flexion power was normalized, the patient was satisfied with the results and he was still a yachtsman.     

Arthroscopic single-stranded semitendinosus tendon- versus PDS-augmentation of reinserted acute femoral anterior cruciate ligament tears: 7 year follow-up study

This study reviews the long-term results of acute complete femoral tears or combined femoral (2/3 of the ligament diameter) /interstitial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that were reinserted. Out of 27 patients, 11 were treated with reinsertion plus augmentation with single-stranded semitendinosus tendon, 16 patients had a reinsertion and augmentation with a double-stranded PDS-band. Operation was carried out 10 (2–42) days after trauma. A brace was applied for 12 weeks, full weight bearing was allowed after 6 weeks according to our standard rehabilitation protocol. Twenty two patients (81%) could be reevaluated after a mean follow-up time of 7 years 1 month (range 3 years 8 months –11 years 5 months). No statistically significant difference was found between both techniques concerning patients satisfaction and subjective evaluation of knee function, OAK-scores (semitendinosus-augmentation: 96 point, SD 2.0 PDS-augmentation: 94 points, SD 5.1) and IKDC-scores. Only in the PDS-augmentation group a statistically significant decrease was found in the level of activity in sports (P=0.046). At follow-up, radiological evaluation of the anterior drawer test was performed. In the group of patients who had undergone semitendinosus augmentation (n=9), anterior displacement of the tibia (determined radiologically using the TELOS-device) of 0–2 mm was found in five patients, displacement of 3–5 mm was seen in three cases and displacement of 6–10 mm in one patient (average 2.7 mm). Patients treated with PDS-augmentation (n=13) showed anterior tibial displacement of 0–2 mm in five cases, 3–5 mm in five cases, and 6–10 mm in two knees (average 3.6 mm). One patient of this group underwent ACL-reconstruction 6 years after reinsertion because of recurrent instability. At follow up, flexion was limited to less than 135° in three patients (12.5%). One patient who had undergone semitendinosus augmentation and three patients from the PDS-augmentation group developed a cyclops syndrome and intraarticular adhaesions that were treated arthroscopically 6 to 18 month after reinsertion surgery. A tendency towards a higher rate of limitation in range of motion was found for the PDS augmentation group. The reinsertion of a femoral torn ACL plus augmentation with a single strand of semitendinosus tendon or a PDS-band leads to acceptable results, an agressive rehabilitation protocol may help to decrease the rate of limitation of flexion.     

Repair of distal biceps tendon rupture with suture anchors

We retrospectively evaluated six cases of distal biceps tendon rupture that were treated by a two-incision operative repair using suture anchor attachment to the radial tuberosity for clinical outcome and strength testing. All patients had repair performed by the same surgeon. The average age of the patients, all male, was 43 years (range, 32–57 years). Average time from injury to operative repair was 22 days (range, 9–54 days). Follow-up time averaged 24 months after definitive treatment (range, 11–46 months). At follow-up no patient had limitation of activity and all patients were able to return to their previous employment, although three noted some minor antecubital fossa discomfort. No patient developed a synostosis. Cybex (Medway, Mass.) isokinetic testing revealed elbow flexion strength return for peak torque, total work, and average power, of 107%, 103%, and 110% of the uninjured arm, respectively. Elbow flexion endurance was 2% less in the injured arm. Forearm supination strength measured by peak torque, total work, and average power, was 97%, 85%, and 88% of the uninjured arm, respectively. Forearm supination endurance was 10% less in the injured arm. Our results using suture anchor repair are similar to those previously reported in the literature from bone tunnel repair. Based on our data, we believe that a two-incision repair with suture anchor attachment is a safe and effective method for treatment of distal biceps tendon ruptures. Received: 15 April 1998 Accepted: 13 October 1998     

Calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy: reattachment with bone anchors

BACKGROUND: Recalcitrant calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy is difficult to treat. HYPOTHESIS: Bursectomy, excision of the distal paratenon, disinsertion of the tendon, removal of the calcific deposit, and reinsertion of the Achilles tendon with bone anchors is safe and effective. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal study. METHODS: Twenty-one patients (six women) (21 feet) (average age 46.9 +/- 6.4 years) with recalcitrant calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy were treated surgically with removal of the calcific deposit; the Achilles tendon was reinserted with bone anchors. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 48.4 months, one patient necessitated a further operation. Eleven patients reported an excellent result, and five a good result. The remaining five patients could not return to their normal levels of sporting activity and kept fit by alternative means. The results of the VISA-A questionnaire were markedly improved in all patients, from an average of 62.4% to 88.1%. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend disinsertion of the Achilles tendon to excise the calcific deposit fully and reinsertion of the Achilles tendon in the calcaneus with suture anchors. No patient experienced a traumatic disinsertion of the reattached tendon. However, five patients were not able to return to their original level of physical activity.     

Evaluation of the hamstring muscle complex following acute injury

Objective To evaluate the imaging findings following acute hamstring injury.Design and patients We retrospectively reviewed the imaging findings of hamstring muscle complex (HMC) strain in 170 patients referred to our institution over a 3-year period. A total of 179 injuries to the HMC were demonstrated in 170 patients (154 male, 16 female, mean age 28.2 years). The mean duration of symptoms was 4.7 days (range 1–10 days). MR imaging was performed in 97 cases and sonography in 102 cases (both modalities were performed in 20 examinations). Attention was directed to the frequency of muscle involvement, the location of the injury within the muscle-tendon unit, the extent of the injury and discriminating avulsion from muscle injury.Results and conclusions Twenty-one patients had proximal tendon injury, with sixteen avulsions and five partial tears. Sixteen of these patients had surgical confirmation of hamstring avulsion from the ischial tuberosity (14 conjoint, 2 biceps femoris alone) and all were reliably diagnosed with MR imaging (16/16), but less so with sonography (7/12). Four distal tendon avulsions were also observed (three semitendinosus, one biceps femoris). With respect to muscle injury, the biceps femoris was most commonly injured (124/154). Semimembranosus was an uncommon muscle injury (21/154) and semitendinosus rare (9/154). Imaging can discriminate a hamstring tendon avulsion from musculotendinous strain and helps identify which patients necessitate surgical management as opposed to conservative treatment.     

Knee dislocations: a magnetic resonance imaging study correlated with clinical and operative findings

OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to determine retrospectively the prevalence, patients' demographics, mechanism of injury, combination of torn ligaments, associated intra-articular and extra-articular injuries, fractures, bone bruises, femoral-tibial alignment and neurovascular complications of knee dislocations as evaluated by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 17,698 consecutive knee examinations by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over a 6-year period, 20 patients with knee dislocations were identified. The medical records of these patients were subsequently reviewed for relevant clinical history, management and operative findings. RESULTS: The prevalence of knee dislocations was 0.11% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.06-0.16)]. There were 16 male patients and four female patients, with ages ranging from 15 years to 76 years (mean 31 years). Fifteen patients had low-velocity injuries (75%), of which 11 were amateur sports related and four were from falls. Four patients (20%) had suffered high-velocity trauma (motor vehicle accidents). One patient had no history available. Anatomic alignment was present at imaging in 16 patients (80%). Eighteen patients had three-ligament tears, two had four-ligament tears. The four-ligament tears occurred with low-velocity injuries. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) were torn in every patient; the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) was torn in 50%, and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in 60%. Intra-articular injuries included meniscal tears (five in four patients), fractures (eight in seven patients), bone bruises (15 patients), and patellar retinaculum tears (eight partial, two complete). The most common extra-articular injury was a complete biceps femoris tendon tear (five, 25%). There were two popliteal tendon tears and one iliotibial band tear. One patient had received a vascular injury following a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and had been treated prior to undergoing MRI. Bone bruises (unrelated to fractures), four-ligament tears, biceps femoris tears, and popliteus tendon tears were encountered only in the low-velocity knee dislocations. Twelve were treated surgically, five conservatively, and three had been lost to follow-up. The biceps femoris tendon was repaired in every patient who was treated surgically. CONCLUSIONS: Knee dislocations occurred more commonly in low-velocity injuries than in high-velocity injuries, predominantly affecting amateur athletes. Biceps femoris tendon tears were the most common extra-articular injury requiring surgery. Neurovascular injury (5%) was uncommon. At imaging, femoral-tibial alignment was anatomic in the majority of patients.     

Repair of chronic ruptures of the distal biceps tendon using flexor carpi radialis tendon graft

Five patients with chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures underwent tendon repair using double-looped flexor carpi radialis tendon graft. Fixation was performed with suture anchors through a single anterior incision. All patients had excellent functional results at a minimum 2-year follow-up.     

Distal rupture of the biceps femoris muscle

Total rupture of the femoral biceps muscle is a rare diagnosis, probably because it is disregarded. Few cases have been reported in the literature, and in all cases surgery has been performed. The 2 patients described both had a complete rupture of the femoral biceps tendon a few centimetres proximally to its insertion at caput fibulae. Both sustained the injury during a soccer game. One patient was treated conservatively and the other operated. The final results were similar, but the conservatively treated patient was fully restored after 2 to 3 weeks, whereas the operated patient took more than 3 months to obtain full function.     

磁共振与超声在肱二头肌长头腱损伤的诊断价值比较

目的 探讨磁共振(MR)和超声(US)检查在肱二头肌长头腱损伤中的诊断价值.方法 收集肩关节镜检证实的肱二头肌长头腱损伤患者80例,均行MR及US检查,以肩关节镜检结果为评价标准,分别计算MR和US诊断肱二头肌长头腱损伤的准确性、敏感性、特异性,比较2种检查方法的有效性.结果 80例患者中,肩关节镜证实肱二头肌长头腱完全撕裂19例,部分撕裂45例,肌腱炎10例,脱位6例.MR与US诊断肱二头肌长头腱完全撕裂、部分撕裂、肌腱炎及脱位的准确性分别为98.7%、92.5%、97.5%、100%和96.2%、85.0%、96.3%、98.7%.MR与US诊断肱二头肌长头腱完全撕裂、肌腱炎及脱位准确性差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但MR诊断部分撕裂的准确性高于US(P<0.05).结论 MR在判断肱二头肌长头腱部分撕裂优于US.US检查可作为常规检查方法用于排查怀疑有肱二头肌长头腱损伤的患者.     

自体中1/3股二头肌腱和股薄肌重建膝关节后外侧角韧带复合体损伤

目的 探讨采用自体中1/3股二头肌腱和股薄肌重建膝关节后外侧角韧带复合体(PLC)的技术及近期的疗效. 方法 本组21例,均为联合型的直向外侧+后外侧旋转＞Ⅱ度不稳定,重建范围:胭肌腱、外侧副韧带、胭腓韧带.术中单独提取健侧或患侧股薄肌重建膕肌腱.切取股二头肌肌腱中1/3部,折叠后对折端拉入股骨外髁骨隧道固定,分出的前束重建外侧副韧带(LCL),后束重建胭腓韧带. 结果 术后随访6～24个月,平均16个月.Lyshohn膝关节功能评分,术前为(43±2)分,术后半年为(90±3)分,有明显改进. 结论 PLC损伤可造成患肢功能受损,采用自体中1/3股二头肌腱和股薄肌修复重建韧带手术可获得良好预后.     

Tear of the distal biceps branchii tendon: a new method of ultrasound evaluation

Tear of the distal biceps brachii tendon is an uncommon injury. Ultrasound evaluation of the distal tendon using an anterior approach is often difficult because of technical factors. We describe a new method of ultrasound evaluation of the distal biceps tendon insertion. This involves a posterior approach with the forearm pronated. With pronation of the forearm, the radial tuberosity faces posteriorly, bringing the distal biceps tendon insertion into view. A surgically proven case of distal biceps tendon tear is presented to illustrate our technique.     

US of the biceps tendon apparatus

High-resolution real-time sonography of the biceps tendon was performed on 80 patients referred for shoulder arthrography. The arthrograms and sonograms were compared at the levels of the biceps tendon groove and distal tendon. Sonography and arthrography were equally successful in facilitating the evaluation of the bony configuration of the biceps tendon groove, but sonography gave a superior image of the biceps tendon within the groove. In 16 patients, biceps tendon sheath effusions or swelling was detected using sonography; 15 of these patients had associated pathologic conditions elsewhere in the joint. Arthrograms did not disclose a biceps tendon or sheath abnormality in any of these patients. We conclude that sonography could be the imaging method of choice in patients with suspected biceps tendon lesions and that the presence of a biceps tendon or sheath abnormality indicates an increased likelihood of abnormalities elsewhere in the joint.     

Neglected ruptures of the patellar tendon. A case series of four patients

We describe a series of four patients treated for chronic ruptures of the patellar tendon (more than 6 months old). The proximally retracted patella was brought back to its anatomic position, and the tendon stumps were repaired and protected with multiple strands of strong circlage wire, in a figure-of-8 pattern, from the quadriceps tendon to the tibial tubercle. Postoperatively, immediate mobilization without the use of a brace was initiated. The patients averaged 29 months (range, 8 to 80) from the time of injury until definitive treatment and were observed for an average of 27 months (range, 11 to 40) after treatment. Before treatment, all patients had an extensor lag of at least 20 degrees. At initial follow-up, all patients had full active extension with no extensor lag, and this did not deteriorate postoperatively or after wire removal. At the last follow-up, the average flexion was 0 degrees to 112 degrees. This technique avoids the use of autograft or allograft tissue and does not require lengthening of the quadriceps tendon.     

上臂“大力水手”畸形:磁共振影像评价及临床意义

目的探讨肱二头肌长头腱断裂形成上臂远端屈侧"大力水手"畸形的MRI特征,并结合临床病史和体征,提高对该损伤的诊断。方法搜集2014年4月至2018年5月共31例肱二头肌长头腱断裂导致"大力水手"畸形患者的临床和MRI影像资料,回顾性分析患者的上臂MRI影像特征和临床特点。结果31例"大力水手"畸形患者MRI上均可清晰分辨出断裂的二头肌长头腱远端位置、形态,冠矢状面T2WI上,断裂肌腱呈弹簧状回缩低信号带,周边环绕高信号水肿区,呈典型的"飘带征";横断面T2WI上,中央圆形低信号代表断裂肌腱残端,周边伴环形水肿高信号,呈"靶环征"。回缩的二头肌肌腹无明显信号异常,上臂伸直状态下MRI检查影像上形态改变不明显。患者和接诊医师常忽略数月前二头肌长头腱断裂致肩痛病史,临床上容易误诊为肿瘤或肿瘤样病变。结论肱二头肌长头腱断裂导致的上臂远端屈侧"大力水手"畸形,在常规磁共振影像上具有典型的特征。认识该典型特征,结合患者的临床病史和体征,对该损伤的诊断十分关键。     

Surgical repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures: a biomechanical comparison of two techniques

BACKGROUND: Rupture of the distal biceps brachii tendon has most commonly been repaired by anatomic reattachment of the tendon to the radial tuberosity by a single- or two-incision approach. Researchers have studied suture anchor attachment through a single incision, but the tendon-suture interface and bone quality have not previously been analyzed. HYPOTHESIS: Suture anchor repair results in stiffness and tensile strength equal to that of bone-tunnel repair for biceps tendon rupture. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Twelve matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric elbow specimens were used. Suture anchor and bone-tunnel tendon repairs were performed in a randomized fashion. Each specimen was loaded to tensile failure. Load-displacement graphs were generated to calculate repair stiffness, yield strength, and ultimate strength. Computed tomography bone density measurements and additional statistical analyses were then performed after grouping the specimens by mode of failure. RESULTS: The bone-tunnel repair was found to be significantly stiffer in all cases and to have significantly greater tensile strength than the suture anchor repair in the younger, nonosteoporotic elbows. CONCLUSIONS: Suture anchor repairs were not as stiff or strong as bone-tunnel repairs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Biceps tendon surgery using the traditional two-incision technique yields a stronger and stiffer repair in the typical patient with this injury.     

指深屈肌腱经骨隧道重建Ⅰ区伸肌腱止点的临床应用

目的介绍一种Ⅰ区指伸肌腱止点重建的方法。方法对20例伸肌腱止点撕脱、断裂伤患者进行止点重建的手术治疗,其中男性12例,女性8例;年龄22~46岁,平均32岁。左手7例,右手13例;示指9例,环指8例,小指3例;撞击伤12例,割裂伤5例,压砸伤3例。受伤至手术时间2h~35d,平均8.7d。采用克氏针固定远侧指间关节,转移部分指深屈肌腱经末节指骨骨隧道到背侧伸肌腱止点上缘穿出,与伸肌腱近端编织缝合。结果术后随访6个月~1年,无一例发生肌腱再次断裂,按手指总主动活动度(TAM)评定法评定:优13例,良6例,可1例。结论采用指深屈肌腱经骨隧道重建Ⅰ区伸肌腱止点,疗效满意。     

Diagnosis and treatment of distal biceps and anterior elbow pain in throwing athletes

Despite the activity of the musculature around the elbow and the high angular velocity and stresses, distal biceps tendon injury is rare in the overhead athlete. The biomechanics of the throwing motion and electromyographic studies of the elbow provide useful clues as to why the biceps stays relatively healthy. Anterior elbow complaints are not uncommon in this population and can easily be mistaken for distal biceps pathology. In the event that a thrower does demonstrate biceps tendon pathology, it should be treated in a similar fashion to all other athletic individuals. It is more important to review the differential diagnosis for anterior elbow pain when an athlete has symptoms that might be attributed to the distal biceps tendon. Once the other possible causes of biceps-related pain have been evaluated, the sports medicine physician can then proceed with appropriate treatment to return that athlete to the playing field as quickly and safely as possible.     

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. A comparison of patellar tendon autograft and four-strand hamstring tendon autograft.

We compared the outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft with outcome using patellar tendon autograft at 2 years after surgery. Patients had an isolated anterior cruciate ligament injury and, apart from the grafts, the arthroscopic surgical technique was identical. Prospective assessment was performed on 90 patients with isolated anterior cruciate ligament injury undergoing reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft; 82 were available for follow-up. The hamstring tendon autograft group consisted of the next 90 consecutive patients fulfilling the same criteria; 85 were available for follow-up. Clinical review included the Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores, instrumented testing, thigh atrophy, and kneeling pain. These methods revealed no difference between the groups in terms of ligament stability, range of motion, and general symptoms. Thigh atrophy was significantly less in the hamstring tendon group at 1 year after surgery, a difference that had disappeared by 2 years. The KT-1000 arthrometer testing showed a slightly increased mean laxity in the female patients in the hamstring tendon graft group. Kneeling pain after reconstruction with the hamstring tendon autograft was significantly less common than with the patellar tendon autograft, suggesting lower donor-site morbidity with hamstring tendon harvest.     

Interference screw with Cortical button for distal biceps repair

The management of distal biceps tendon ruptures has been the source of considerable research over the last decade. Many of the techniques used to secure tendon to bone have been applied to the distal biceps tendon. These include suture anchors, Cortical button, and more recently interference screw fixation. The current account describes a technique that repairs the distal biceps with combined interference screw and Cortical button fixation through a single incision, which permits immediate active postoperative motion for early return to activity and a decrease in postoperative stiffness or heterotopic ossification. The presented technique offers the surgeon many new options in treatment of these injuries and emphasizes biologic, anatomic, and biomechanical principles of tendon healing.