Distal biceps tendon injuries: A clinically relevant current concepts review

Abstract

▪ Distal biceps tendon (DBT) conditions comprise a spectrum of disorders including bicipitoradial bursitis, partial tears, acute and chronic complete tears. ▪ In low-demand patients with complete DBT tears, nonoperative treatment may be entertained provided the patient understands the potential for residual weakness, particularly in forearm supination. ▪ Most acute tears are best treated by primary repair using either single-incision or double-incision techniques with good clinical outcomes. ▪ Single-incision techniques may carry a higher risk of nerverelated complications, whereas double-incision techniques have historically been considered to carry a higher risk of heterotopic ossification, particularly if the ulna is exposed. ▪ Various fixation techniques, including bone tunnels, cortical buttons, suture anchors, interference screws or a combination seem to provide different fixation strength but similar clinical outcomes. ▪ Some chronic tears may be repaired primarily, provided tendon tissue can be identified; alternatively, autograft or allograft reconstruction can be considered, and good outcomes have been reported with both techniques.