Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose Although surgical repair of distal biceps tendon rupture improves functional outcomes compared with nonsurgical treatments, the choice of operative technique remains a matter of preference. This study retrospectively examined outcomes from a repair technique using a volar distal biceps reinsertion secured with a unicortical intramedullary button in the proximal radial tuberosity to determine its safety and functional outcomes. Methods A single fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeon treated 27 men, average age 48 years (range, 25–66 years), between 2012 and 2016. Patient-reported outcomes included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) satisfaction scores and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Average patient follow-up was 24 months. Results This series had an overall complication rate of 39.3% (11 of 28): 9 lateral antebrachial cutaneous neuropraxias, one radial sensory nerve irritation, and one superficial infection. No complications of peripheral nerve injury, proximal radioulnar synostosis, or rerupture were observed. Results (mean ± SD) demonstrated low disability (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score = 2.9 ± 5.3), high satisfaction (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score = 9.3 ± 1.4), and acceptable performance (Mayo Elbow Performance Score = 97.7 ± 6.3). Subcategory analysis identified a correlation between time to surgery and complications. Disability scores were higher in patients with workers' compensation claims versus private insurance (mean, 11.0 vs 1.1). Conclusions Further trials are required to compare the results and complication rates of this unicortical intramedullary button procedure with other established methods. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Language: English
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,000
OpenAlex ID: W2952026691