Comparison of Single and Double Incision Repair Techniques in Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the complications and functional outcomes of single versus double-incision repair techniques for the treatment of distal biceps brachii tendon rupture Methods: Between 2012 and 2018, patients with distal biceps brachii tendon rupture who were treated with a single or double-incision repair technique were included in this retrospective study. Range of motion (ROM) and Mayo elbow performance scores (MEPS) were evaluated. Results: Seventeen patients with a mean age of 45.6±6.4 years (range: 34-58 years) who underwent single (n=9) and double (n=8) incision techniques were included in this study. The mean follow-up was 33±10.5 months (range: 24-62 months). Preoperative and postoperative ROM and MEPS were similar between two groups (p>0.05). In the single incision repair technique group, 3 patients had lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN) palsy and 1 patient was re-operated due to re-rupture. In the double incision repair technique group, 1 patient had posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsy and 1 patient had hematoma that did not require surgical drainage. No significant differences were detected in terms of complications (p=0.62). Conclusion: Good functional results were obtained after both single and double incision techniques for the treatment of distal biceps brachii tendon rupture. Both single and double incision techniques were reliable however LACN was at risk in single incision technique and PIN in double incision technique.