The lange operation for the distal rupture of the biceps tendon

Surgical Principle Reinsertion of the distal tendon into the radial tuberosity. Through this method a stable anchoring of the tendon can be achieved. This technique was first described by M. Lange in 1951 [5]. Revised Version from: Operat. Orthop. Traumatol. 3 (1991), 265–269 (German Edition).     

Repair of distal biceps tendon rupture with the Biotenodesis screw

Background Distal biceps tendon ruptures are uncommon injuries with only around 300 cases reported in the literature. Current management tends to favour anatomical reinsertion of the tendon into the radial tuberosity, especially in young and active individuals. These injuries are commonly repaired using either a single anterior incision with suture anchors or the Boyd-Anderson dual incision technique.Case report We report the use of a bioabsorbable interference screw for the repair of distal biceps tendon rupture using a minimal incision technique. In this technique the avulsed tendon and a bioabsorbable screw are secured in a drill hole on the radial tuberosity using whip stitch and fibre wire sutures according to Biotenodesis system guidelines.Conclusion The technique described requires minimal volar dissection that is associated with a reduced number of synostosis and posterior interosseous nerve injuries. The bioabsorbable interference screw has all the advantages of being biodegradable and has been shown to have greater pullout strength than suture anchors. It is also a reasonable alternative to titanium screws in terms of primary fixation strength. The strong fixation provided allows early active motion and return to previous activities as seen in our case.     

Surgical treatment for partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon using palmaris longus tendon graft: A case report

We report a case of a partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon that was surgically treated using a palmaris longus tendon graft. A 58-year-old man complained of increasing pain with resisted elbow flexion and supination in the antecubital fossa. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the irregularity of a distal attachment of the biceps brachii and peripheral signal changes. We diagnosed a partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon. Because conservative treatment failed, surgical treatment was performed through a single anterior approach. The insertion of the tendon was partially ruptured at the radial tuberosity. After the involved site was debrided, the palmaris longus tendon was grafted with suture anchors to reinforce the remaining tendon. Postoperative immobilization was not performed, and all moves were freed after 3 weeks. At the 6-year postoperative follow-up, the patient no longer experienced pain and returned to his original job without any limitations.     

Anatomical repair of distal biceps brachii tendon rupture through a limited anterior approach

To avoid the extended anterior or the two-incision approach to the radius, we present a limited anterior approach for anatomical reattachment at the radial tuberosity of the distal biceps brachii tendon complete rupture using suture anchors. Our clinical experience in nine patients showed that secure fixation obtained with the suture anchors, limited surgical approach and anatomical reconstruction allow for early mobilization and rapid return of function, and provide excellent long-term results with acceptable complications. We suggest using the limited anterior approach in patients with early (less than 6 weeks) distal biceps brachii tendon rupture.     

Repair of the torn distal biceps tendon by endobutton fixation

Background:

A number of techniques have been described to reattach the torn distal biceps tendon to the bicipital tuberosity. We report a retrospective analysis of single incision technique using an endobutton fixation in sports persons.

Materials and Methods:

The present series include nine torn distal biceps tendons in eight patients, fixed anatomically to the radial tuberosity with an endobutton by using a single incision surgical technique; seven patients had suffered the injuries during contact sports. The passage of the endobutton was facilitated by using a blunt tipped pin in order to avoid injury to the posterior interosseous nerve. The patients were evaluated by Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Mayo elbow score.

Results:

The average age of the patients was 27.35 years (range 21–42 years). Average follow-up was 41.5 months (range 24–102 months). The final average flexion extension arc was 0°–143°, while the average pronation and supination angles were 77° (range 70°–82°) and 81° (range 78°–85°), respectively at the last followup. All the patients had a Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score of 0 and a Mayo elbow score of 100 each. All the seven active sports persons were able to get back to their respective game. There was no nerve injury or any other complication.

Conclusions:

The surgical procedure used by us is a simple, safe and reproducible technique giving minimal morbidity and better cosmetic results.     

Acute distal biceps tendon rupture--a new surgical technique using a de-tensioning suture to brachialis

Acute distal biceps rupture is a devastating injury in the young athlete and surgical repair offers the only chance of a full recovery. We report a new surgical technique used in 14 cases of acute distal tendon rupture in which the 'suture anchor technique' and a de-tensioning suture was employed. In this procedure the distal end of the biceps is re-attached to the radial tuberosity using a sliding whip stitch suture and the proximal part of the distal tendon repair attached to the underlying brachialis muscle with absorbable sutures. This restores correct anatomical alignment and isometric pull on the distal tendon and de-tensions the repair in the early post-operative period, allowing early rehabilitation and an early return to activity. In all cases patients regained a full pre-injury level of sporting activity at a mean period of 6.2 months (2-9 months).     

Repair of acute and chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures using the EndoButton

There are many ways to repair distal biceps tendon ruptures with no outcome studies demonstrating superiority of a specific technique. There are few studies reporting on the repair of acute and chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures using the EndoButton via an anterior single-incision approach. We report on 27 patients who underwent distal biceps tendon repair with an EndoButton. The average age was 50.1 years (range, 36–78). There were 17 acute repairs (within 4 weeks of injury), nine chronic repairs (greater than 4 weeks), and one revision of a previous acute repair. All chronic repairs were repaired without the need for graft augmentation. Patients were assessed postoperatively using the ASES elbow outcome instrument and isokinetic flexion and supination strength and endurance testing. Eight control subjects were also tested for comparison. At an average follow-up of 30.9 months, 26 of 27 patients returned to their previous employment and activity level. The average ASES elbow score was 98.2 (range, 81–100). Compared with the contralateral extremity, there was no loss of motion. Average flexion strength recovery was 101% and mean supination strength recovery was 99%. There was no significant difference in function or strength with repair of acute versus chronic ruptures. Using the EndoButton technique, acute and chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures can be repaired safely with excellent clinical results.     

The distal biceps tendon: footprint and relevant clinical anatomy

PURPOSE: There is little information in the literature describing the anatomy of the biceps tendon insertion. The purpose of this study was to map the footprint of the biceps tendon insertion on the bicipital tuberosity and to report on the relevant anatomy to assist surgeons with correct tendon orientation during surgical repair. METHODS: Fifteen fresh-frozen adult upper extremities were used in this study. The relationships between the long head of the biceps tendon, the short head of the biceps tendon, the muscle bellies, and the distal tendon orientation were examined. The length, width, and area of the biceps tendon insertion were measured. RESULTS: In all specimens examined, the biceps musculotendinous unit rotated 90 degrees externally from origin to insertion. The long head of the distal tendon was inserted onto the proximal aspect of the bicipital tuberosity, while the short head of the distal tendon was inserted onto the distal aspect of the tuberosity. The lacertus fibrosus, in all specimens, originated from the distal short head of the biceps tendon. On average, the biceps tendon insertion started 23 mm distal to the articular margin of the radial head. The average length of the biceps tendon insertion on the tuberosity was 21 mm, and the average width was 7 mm. The average total area of the biceps tendon insertion (footprint) was 108 mm(2). The average area of the long head of the biceps tendon insertion was 48 mm(2), and the average area of the short head of the biceps tendon insertion was 60 mm(2). CONCLUSIONS: Landmarks have been identified that will allow anatomic orientation of the distal biceps tendon during operative repair. The distal short head of the biceps tendon has a consistent relationship with the lacertus fibrosus and a distinct insertion on the bicipital tuberosity. The dimensions of the distal biceps tendon footprint have been determined to assist with bone tunnel or suture anchor placement during surgical repair.     

Failed distal biceps tendon repair using a single-incision EndoButton technique and its successful treatment: case report

Surgical repair has become a mainstay in the treatment of ruptures of the distal biceps tendon and multiple surgical techniques have been described advocating anatomic or near-anatomic repair. Fixation with an EndoButton technique has been shown to have superior fixation strength and durable clinical outcomes. Here, we describe a case of failed EndoButton fixation of the distal biceps tendon, and its successful treatment.     

Flexor carpi radialis tendon rupture as a complication of a closed distal radius fracture: a case report

Although extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures have been noted as a complication of distal radius fractures, flexor tendon ruptures in association with acute fractures of the distal radius are rare. We report a rupture of the flexor carpi radialis tendon as a complication of an acute distal radius fracture that was discovered during operative management of the fracture.