Early Postoperative Complications Following Partial Distal Biceps Tendon Surgical Repair.

PURPOSE: There are sparse data on complications following partial distal biceps tendon (PDBT) repair. The purpose of this study was to analyze the early complication rate following operative repair of PDBT tears. We hypothesized that a minority of patients would experience a complication and that most complications would be minor and self-limited, regardless of surgical technique.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified patients treated with surgical repair of PDBT tears at a large orthopedic subspecialty practice over a 6-year period. Patients' records were reviewed for surgical approach and method, demographics, and complications. Complications were classified as major if they necessitated reoperation within 12 weeks.

RESULTS

In total, 112 patients underwent PDBT repair via either a single-incision (71 patients; 63.4%) or two-incision (41 patients; 36.6%) technique. Within the first 3 months after surgery, complications were noted in 23 patients (rate 20.5%); 19 (82.6%) were minor, and four (17.4%) were major complications requiring return to the operating room within 12 weeks. Most minor complications were sensory nerve symptoms (56.5%). The rate of sensory symptoms was significantly higher with the single-incision (16.9%; 12/71) compared to two-incision technique (2.4%; 1/41). Major complications included two acute reruptures, one vascular injury, and one deep infection requiring anterior incision irrigation and debridement. Of the 13 patients with sensory symptoms, two later underwent removal of hardware and neurolysis for persistent symptoms outside the acute postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

The early complication rate following PDBT repair was 20.5%. Of the patients who experienced complications, 83% were considered minor, and 90% of minor complications resolved without additional surgical intervention.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.