Treatment of acute distal biceps tendon ruptures – A survey of the British Elbow and Shoulder Society surgical membership

M. J. Baldwin*, A. C. Watts, C. A. Peach, J. Phadnis, H. Singh, S. E. Gwilym

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (journal)peer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Acute distal biceps tendon ruptures result in weakness and deformity. While in other jurisdictions the rate of surgical repair has outpaced rises in incidence, UK practice for distal biceps tendon ruptures is unknown. The aim of this survey was to characterise current UK clinical practice. Methods: An online survey was sent to the surgeon members of the British Elbow and Shoulder Society. Questions covered respondent demographics, clinical decision making, surgical experience and willingness to be involved in future research. Results: A total of 242 surgeons responded; 99% undertook acute distal biceps tendon repairs with 83% repairing at least half of all distal biceps tendon ruptures, and 84% of surgeons would have their own, hypothetical, acute distal biceps tendon rupture repaired in their dominant arm and 67% for their non-dominant arm. Patient age, occupation and restoration of strength were the commonest factors underpinning a recommendation of surgical fixation. Most surgeons (87%) supported a national trial to study operative and non-operative treatments. Conclusions: UK upper limb surgeons currently advise surgical repair of acute distal biceps tendon ruptures for the majority of their patients. This is despite a paucity of evidence to support improved outcomes following surgical, rather than non-operative, management. There is a clear need for robust clinical evaluation in this area.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)555-561
Number of pages7
JournalShoulder and Elbow
Volume14
Issue number5
Early online date29 Jul 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Oct 2022

Keywords

  • Distal biceps tendon
  • survey
  • tendon rupture

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Treatment of acute distal biceps tendon ruptures – A survey of the British Elbow and Shoulder Society surgical membership'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this