Article
Distal Biceps Tendon Repair: Anchor Versus Transosseous Suture Fixation
Am J Orthop. 2007 January;36(1):34-37
Author and Disclosure Information
David M. Klein, MD, Neil Ghany, MD, William Urban, MD, and Steven A. Caruso, MEng, MD
Dr. Klein is Orthopaedic Surgeon, Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center, Sarasota, Florida.
Dr. Ghany is Orthopaedic Surgeon, Chillicothe, Ohio.
Dr. Urban is Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, State University of New York at Brooklyn/Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, New York.
Dr. Caruso is Resident, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey.
Suture anchor fixation and transosseous suture fixation were compared in 12 fresh-frozen cadaveric radii using either No. 2 braided polyester suture or single Mainstay 3.5-mm threaded anchors (made at the time by Howmedica, Rutherford, NJ) with No. 2 suture. Suture fixation failed at a mean strength of 162 N (range, 129-179 N), anchor fixation at 136 N (range, 121-150 N). Neither technique is strong enough to safely allow immediate biceps activity. Nevertheless, suture anchor fixation to the radial tuberosity offers a lower but clinically comparable strength to transosseous suture fixation while limiting postoperative risks.