Reconstruction of delayed diagnoses simultaneous bilateral distal biceps tendon ruptures using semtendinosus and quadriceps tendon autografts

Abstract

Introduction: Simultaneous bilateral distal biceps rupture is rarely reported, but several issues has to be taken into account and the here presented case brings up some of these aspects. Case description: This case presents a simultaneous bilateral distal biceps ruptures, and due to delayed diagnosis, bilateral muscle retraction had occurred. Surgical reconstruction was challenged both by social circumstances and by previous harvesting of the Semitendinous tendon on one side. The surgery was performed as a staged approach, using a Semitendinosus graft at one side and later using a Quadriceps tendon graft on the opposite site. At follow-up 14 month postoperatively the Oxford Elbow Score was 92 percent for both elbows and the MRI’s bilaterally demostrates that the grafts are tight. Discussion and evaluation: The Quadriceps tendon is a previously non reported type of graft material for this type of surgery. Based on the experience from this case it is concluded that six weeks after trauma the degree of retraction of the distal biceps tendon can impair direct repair. Conclusion: When reconstruction of the ruptured distal biceps tendon is needed, subjective normal forces can be obtained using both the semitendosus graft as well as the quadriceps graft, however with a minor increased donor site morbidity with respect to the quadriceps graft.