Mini-open incision for distal biceps repair by suture anchors: follow-up of eighteen patients.

Background: This clinical trial was done to describe a mini approach for distal biceps repair using two or three suture anchors. Patients and methods: Twenty patients have undergone surgical repair over the last 10 years. All patients were males with mean age 46.8 (range 35–72), and dominant arm was involved in 70 %. Eighteen patients were evaluated with subjective and objective criteria including patient’s satisfaction, active range of motion (ROM), and maximum isometric strength (in supination and flexion) using Cybex dynamometer. Functional scoring included Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and Oxford Elbow Score. Results: Eighty percent of patients were highly satisfied, with excellent results as defined by Mayo and Oxford Elbow score. Compared to contralateral, the active ROM was not affected in flexion and extension, but pronation and supination were decreased by 5°–10° in two cases. One of eighteen showed hypoesthesia of first and second fingers, and one of eighteen showed a symptomatic heterotopic ossification. There were no reruptures. Conclusions: Surgical repair of distal biceps tendon with a mini-single-incision as we described provides patient’s satisfaction and very good results with respect to ROM and functional scoring, with a low complication rate.