Reconstruction of Chronic Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture using Fascia Lata Autograft

Introduction: Distal biceps tendon ruptures are a rare injury and surgical reconstruction is typically recommended for chronic ruptures. There is no consensus regarding the most appropriate reconstruction technique. We present our experience with fascia lata autograft reconstructions of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures using a modified single incision technique and distal fixation with suture anchors. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 12 male patients with chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures who had reconstruction using a fascia lata autograft through a single anterior approach. The age ranged from 29 to 62 years. The average delay to surgery was 26.5 weeks (range 6-68 weeks). A modified single anterior incision was utilized for all patients. Fascia lata autograft was attached distally to the bicipital tuberosity using suture anchors. Tension was set with the elbow in 50° of flexion. The average follow-up was 14.5 months (range 1.5-66 months). All patients were treated by the senior author (MSM). Results: Eleven patients (92%) reported subjective improvement in elbow flexion and supination strength, as well as painless range of motion. The average elbow flexion/ extension arc was 126° (5° flexion to 131° flexion) and the average supination/pronation arc was 167 degrees (87° pronation to 80° supination). Five patients underwent isokinetic flexion strength testing which revealed a restoration of 86% of strength when compared to the uninvolved side. Four patients underwent supination isokinetic strength testing which revealed a restoration of 87% of strength when compared to uninvolved side. Four patients reported numbness in the superficial radial nerve distribution that recovered within 12 months. There were no cases of heterotopic ossification or graft rupture. There was one case of wound dehiscence at the elbow that required local flap coverage and went on to heal uneventfully. Aside from a small muscle bulge at the donor site, there were no donor site complications. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the largest case series of patients undergoing distal biceps tendon reconstruction using fascia lata autograft. Our study has demonstrated a low complication rate with functional results similar to those reported in the literature utilizing a similar technique. We conclude that this technique offers a surgical treatment alternative that yields satisfactory functional outcomes with a low risk of complication.