Minimally invasive distal biceps tendon repair: a case series.

Background: Distal biceps tendon repairs are commonly performed using open techniques. A minimally invasive distal biceps tendon repair technique using a speculum and hooded endoscope was developed to improve visualization, reduce soft-tissue dissection, and minimize complications. This paper describes the technique and reports the outcomes of 75 minimally invasive distal biceps tendon repairs.

Methods: The operation reports and outcomes of 75 patients who underwent distal biceps tendon repair using this technique between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Median time to follow-up was 12 months (interquartile range [IQR], 6-56 months). Primary outcomes were function as measured by the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH) questionnaire, and rate of complications. Median DASH score was 1.7 of 100 (IQR, 0-6.8). There were 2 of 75 (2.7%) re-ruptures of the distal tendon. There were no cases of vascular injury, proximal radius fracture, or posterior interosseous nerve, median, or ulnar nerve palsy.

Conclusions: In this series, minimally invasive distal biceps repair was safe and effective with a low rate of major complications. Recovery of function, as indicated by low DASH scores, was satisfactory, and inconvenience during recovery was minimized. Level of evidence: IV.