This is a retrospective study documenting outcomes using an Achilles tendon allograft to repair chronic distal biceps ruptures in seven male patients. The authors used a single incision anterior approach with an allograft Achilles tendon to reconstruct the biceps tendon. At 29 months, 6 patients had achieved an excellent outcome and 1 a good outcome by the Mayo Elbow Performance Scale, and no complications were encountered.
This represents an alternative surgical technique that can be used to reconstruct the distal biceps tendon in chronic injuries where the tendon cannot be directly repaired to bone. Previous studies have shown this procedure to be effective in selected patients who wish to regain some biceps function. From a technical standpoint, it can be somewhat difficult to obtain adequate tension on the reconstruction if the allograft is first fixed to the radius as described in this article. An alternative technique, described in this Journal one month prior (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 15:440-444, 2006), suggests suture of the allograft tendon first to the biceps using a weave which is then advanced to bone. Either way, reconstruction remains an excellent alternative to non-anatomic reattachment of the biceps (to the brachialis muscle) for patients with high functional demands in elbow flexion and forearm supination.
Biceps, Tendon, Reconstruction, Elbow, Allograft
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