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Benefits seen with early surgical treatment for distal biceps tendon injuries
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A recent review indicates that patients with distal biceps tendon injuries who undergo early surgical treatment experience more complete and faster recoveries than those who delay surgery or receive nonoperative care.
The review, which appears in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, also notes that patients with these injuries may benefit from new surgical techniques.
“Over the last 10 years there has been an increase in techniques to repair the distal biceps tendon,” Karen Sutton, MD, an author of the review and attending orthopaedic surgeon at Yale New Haven Hospital, stated in an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons press release. “Newer techniques allow for smaller incisions and often use one incision, instead of two. Moreover, the use of hardware can often return the strength of the tendon to within 90% to 95% of its original strength.”
Improved function
In their review, Sutton and her colleagues noted that surgically-treated patients showed a 30% greater increase in elbow flexion and a 40% greater improvement in supination compared to those who had nonoperative care. They also found that surgically-treated patients had improved extremity endurance, according to the release.
The review also revealed that surgery was most effective when patients underwent procedures within 2 weeks post injury.
Early treatment, diagnosis
“Early diagnosis and treatment of these injuries make surgical repair more straightforward,” Sutton stated in the release. “The ability to locate the end of the tendon in surgery is easier within the first 2 weeks, and if the tendon is repaired during this 2-week period, the patient should regain the majority of his or her elbow flexion and forearm supination strength. After 2 weeks, the tendon tends to scar, making it more difficult to bring the tendon back to its original attachment.”
In addition, she noted the importance of early treatment in obtaining optimal results.
“There are multiple ways to repair the tendon surgically, and the specific technique used is based on the experience of the surgeon and the latest biomechanical studies on strength and stability of various repairs,” Sutton stated in the release. “For a healthy, active individual, it is best to seek medical attention quickly and to be evaluated by an orthopaedic surgeon if a tear is suspected, in order to ensure the best possible outcome.”
- Reference:
Sutton KM, Dodds SD, Ahmad CS, et al. Surgical treatment of distal biceps rupture. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2010 Mar;18(3):139-48.
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