Objective: evaluation of 40 cases which where treated of distal m biceps brachii tendon, both conservatively and surgically.

Patients and methodology: 39 men and one woman were evaluated, on 26 patients the reinsertion of the tendon were made, in one case with fascia lata allograft using different sort of fixation to the bone. Fourteen cases were treated in a conservative manner.
The injury was often caused by the opposed contraction of the biceps within the flexion of the elbow. The symptoms were pain and the lack of strength for the flexion and supination. Suspecting the tendon rupture by the clinical examination was confirmed by ultrasonography.

Results: we used for the evaluation the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. The sequels have been evaluated by the INSS (National Institute of the Spanish Security Law). The isocinetic study has been used at least for half cases of the sample to value the results, as well.
The results have been poor in those patients who where treated with the conservative method but we cannot avoid the importance of the surgical treatment complications (25%). The number of re-surgery increases when using a screw for the reinsertion of the tendon.

Conclusion: the reinsertion of the tendon in the radius tuberosity brings better functional results. Nevertheless we must keep attention to the surgical complications, trying to minimize them thanks to a careful technique.

Correspondencia:

F. J. Santos Yubero.
Centro de Rehabilitación FREMAP-Sevilla
Avda. de Jerez s/n. 41012 Sevilla.
E-mail: fjavier_santos@fremap.es

Patología del Aparato Locomotor, 2007; 5 (1): 16-23