REVIEW ARTICLE


Distal Biceps and Triceps Injuries



James C. Beazley*, Thomas M. Lawrence, Steven J. Drew, Chetan S. Modi
Coventry and Warwickshire Shoulder and Elbow Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK


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Creative Commons License
© 2017 Beazley et al.

open-access license: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0), a copy of which is available at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

* Address correspondence to this author at the Coventry and Warwickshire Shoulder and Elbow Unit, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK; Tel: 02476 965094; E-mail: jamescsbeazley@gmail.com


Abstract

Background:

Rupture of the distal biceps and triceps tendons are relatively uncommon injuries typically occurring in middle-aged males as a result of eccentric loading of the tendon.

Methods:

A literature search was performed and the authors’ personal experiences reported.

Results:

This review discusses the diagnosis, indications and guidelines for management of these injuries and provides a description of the authors’ preferred operative techniques.

Conclusion:

Whilst non-operative treatment may be appropriate for patients with low functional demands, surgical management is the preferred option for the majority of patients. We have described a cortical button technique and osseous tunnel technique utilised at our institution for distal biceps and triceps tendon fixation respectively. For biceps or triceps tendon injuries, those receiving an early diagnosis and undergoing surgical intervention, an excellent functional outcome can be expected.

Keywords: Distal biceps, Distal triceps, Elbow joint, Reconstruction, Tendon rupture.