Distal biceps tendon repair: an analysis of timing of surgery on outcomes.

CONTEXT: Surgical repair of the ruptured distal biceps brachaii tendon is an effective treatment in injured patients. Timing of surgery is considered an important factor when managing these patients.

OBJECTIVE

To compare our outcomes after distal biceps tendon acute (at 4 weeks or less) or chronic (greater than 4 weeks) repair.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Clinical practice.

PATIENTS OR OTHER

PARTICIPANTS

Of 18 patients in a tertiary practice who underwent distal biceps repair, 12 and 6 underwent acute or chronic repair, respectively. The average durations from injury to surgery were 15.3 (range, 9 to 25) and 50.1 (range, 29 to 75) days for the acute and chronic groups, respectively.

INTERVENTION(S): Distal biceps tendon repair.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scoring, range of motion, and clinical and radiographic complications.

RESULTS

No differences were noted between the groups in DASH scoring or range of motion. No complications occurred, and radiographic outcomes were satisfactory, without evidence of heterotopic ossification in any patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Secure repair of a distal biceps tendon injury may yield similar results, whether it is performed in the acute or chronic setting.