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.