Article

Options for repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures are
well-described. However, scant data exist in the literature regarding failure
strength of the native tendon. We hypothesize that a) the distal biceps tendon
failure strength is sensitive to loading angle, and b) the failure strength is
greater than what has been previously reported in the literature. METHODS: 15
radii were potted in a simulated supine position, and the native tendon was
pulled from the tuberosity at angles of 90, 60, and 30 degrees of flexion (5 per
group) relative to the long axis of the radius. The failure load and stiffness
were recorded and compared. FINDINGS: The native tendon's mean failure load
tended to increase as flexion angle decreased. Due to the large variability in
strength, mean failure loads of the 90 degrees (mean 358 (SE 117N)), 60 degrees
(mean 617 (SE 141N)), and 30 degrees (mean 762 (SE 130N)) groups were not
statistically different from each other (P=0.12). The mean stiffness results for
each group (mean 501 (SE 176N/mm), mean 763 (SE 226N/mm), and mean 756N (SE
179N/mm), respectively) were not significantly different from each other (P>0.6).
INTERPRETATION: The load to failure of the distal biceps tendon may be higher
than what has previously been reported, and may be dependent on the elbow flexion
angle. Though this difference may be attributed to the difference in methodology
it should be taken into account during consideration of repair and rehabilitation.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS