Repair of the distal biceps tendon using suture anchors and an anterior approach

The authors describe a technique for repair of the biceps tendon rupture from the radial tuberosity. A single anterior incision, limited volar dissection, and implantable bone anchors were used. With this technique, the authors have repaired the distal biceps tendon in 5 men (mean age, 39 years). Four patients were laborers and 1 was an athlete. Mechanism of injury was a single traumatic event with an unanticipated large load being applied to the flexed arm. Four patients were treated acutely and 1 was treated 6 months after injury. All patients returned to preinjury activity level by 5 months after repair of the tendon. Clinically, all repairs remained intact (mean follow-up, 2.5 years). Range of motion was symmetric. No evidence of associated nerve injuries, heterotopic bone formation, or olecranon tenderness occurred. Subjective, as well as objective, results were excellent in those 5 patients whose distal biceps tendon was repaired by the single volar incision and implantable anchors.