Distal biceps tendon tears in women

• Published in: Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery Vol. 19; no. 5; pp. 645 - 650
• Main Authors: Jockel, Christopher R., MD, Mulieri, Phillip J., MD, PhD, Belsky, Mark R., MD, Leslie, Bruce M., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.07.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aged; Arm Injuries - surgery; Biological and medical sciences; complete tear; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Distal biceps tendon; Female; Humans; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Muscle, Skeletal - injuries; Orthopedics; partial tear; Patient Satisfaction; Retrospective Studies; Rupture - surgery; Sex Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tendon Injuries - surgery; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; Treatment Outcome; Treatment Study; Level IV; partial tear; Case Series; complete tear; Distal biceps tendon; female; Human; Biceps muscle; Break; Woman; Rheumatology; Tendon
• ISSN: 1058-2746; 1532-6500
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2010.01.015

Hypothesis Is the presentation and outcome of surgical treatment of distal biceps tendon tears different in women than men? Materials and methods From 1999 to 2008, 15 cases of distal biceps tendon tears in 13 female patients were treated surgically at a single institution. Mean age was 63 years (range, 48-79 years). A retrospective review evaluated patient presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. Postoperative outcomes were assessed by physical examination, a patient satisfaction survey, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) elbow assessment form, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Results Two-thirds of the tears were in the dominant arm, of which 7 resulted from a single injury, and 8 reported insidious onset of symptoms. All patients presented with pain in the antecubital fossa. A distinct cystic mass was palpable in 6. Of the 15 cases, 13 were partially detached, 1 was completely detached, and 1 was weakly attached. Fourteen regained full strength, and all had nearly complete range of motion. Mean follow-up was 46 months (range, 2-117 months). Eleven completed a postoperative patient satisfaction survey, ASES elbow, and DASH questionnaire. Mean scores were 95 (range, 58-100) for ASES and 7 (range, 0-43) for DASH. The only complication was a transient lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve sensory palsy. Discussion Distal biceps tendon tears in women present at an advanced age with no history of an acute injury. They are frequently associated with a cystic mass and have a predominance of partial tears. Conclusions Distal biceps tendon tears in women present differently than in men. The tears are rarely complete and they respond well to surgical repair.