Bone tunnel fixation versus suture anchor: Mid- and long-term results after distal biceps tendon rupture

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the range of movement, isometric and isokinetic postoperative outcome, Morrey score and heterotropic ossifications after refixation of distal biceps tendon rupture with either suture anchor or bone tunnel fixation. Methods: 48 patients were surgically treated between 1990 and 2005. Elbow function was investigated isometrically and isokinetically with the CYBEX-NORMO. The presence and extent of heterotopic ossifications were assessed by A/P and lateral view X-rays. The Morrey score was used to evaluate the clinical outcome. Results: 13 patients received distal biceps refixation with the bone tunnel method and 35 with suture anchors. The range of motion of the elbow was statistically not significantly different except for pronation, which was slightly but significantly reduced after bone tunnel refixation. Isometric and isokinetic results as well as Morrey scores were statistically not different between the two surgical techniques. Both groups showed excellent postoperative results. Conclusion: Bone tunnel and Suture anchor techniques are both equal and sufficient methods for the refixation of distal biceps tendon ruptures with excellent clinical and functional postoperative results. The slight but significantly reduced pronation after bone tunnel refixation was clinically not relevant.