Abstract
Objective Clinical and functional evaluation of the surgical treatment for chronic injury of
the distal biceps brachii applying a surgical technique with grafting of the distal
triceps brachii tendon.
Methods A study based on a review of the medical records and clinical evaluation of the patients
submitted to surgical treatment for chronic injury to the distal insertion of the
biceps brachii between February 2015 and February 2017. In a 12-month-minimum postoperative
follow-up, 7 patients were evaluated regarding the range of motion of the operated
and non-operated elbows, flexion, upper-limb extension and supination with a digital
dynamometer, the hook test, the satisfaction index, and the Disabilities of the Arm,
Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) intruments.
Results During the postoperative functional evaluation, no patient reported dissatisfaction
with the esthetic outcome of the incisions, and all of them were satisfied/very satisfied
with the range of motion and strength of the operated limb. No neurovascular complications,
surgical site infection or tendon rupture were observed. On the MEPS and DASH scales,
all patients scored 100 and 0 respectively. The mean flexion was of 133.5° on the
operated side, versus 139.2° on the non-operated side. The mean extension was of 5°
on the operated side versus 0° on the non-operated side. The supination was of 86.5°
versus 90°, and the pronation, 80° versus 80°, when comparing the operated and non-operated
sides respectively. The mean flexion, extension and supination corresponded respectively
to 92.5%, 96.4% and 86.8% of those of the non-operated limb.
Conclusion Recosntruction of the distal biceps brachii with triceps grafting seems to be an
effective and safe option for the treatment of chronic distal biceps injuries.
Keywords
autografting - elbow - orthopedic procedures - tendon injuries - upper extremity
