Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures: Acute Repair Versus Chronic Reconstruction Using the “Anatomic Length Method” and Concomitant Bicipital Aponeurosis Repair: A Group-matched Comparative Retrospective Study

Abstract

Chronic disruption of the distal biceps tendon is a challenging problem and can lead to considerable disability. We conducted a group-matched retrospective study comparing clinical outcomes of chronic distal biceps reconstruction using our previously described “Anatomic Length Method” and those with an acute distal rupture and primary repair. Forty-six patients were included into the analysis; 23 underwent acute distal biceps repair, and 23 underwent chronic distal biceps reconstruction. Demographic and surgical data were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were evaluated and clinical outcome measures were obtained at least 1 year after surgical treatment. There were no significant differences in Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation scores (6.0 vs. 4.4, respectively; P=0.53) and biceps shape contour satisfaction (19/19 vs. 6/7, respectively; P=0.093). No significant difference emerged in complication rates. This study suggests that chronic reconstruction of the distal biceps tendon using the “Anatomic Length Method” is a safe technique that produces similar clinical results to acute distal biceps primary repair.