Return to Sport and Weightlifting Analysis Following Distal Biceps Tendon Repair.

Abstract Background Rupture of the distal biceps tendon is an increasingly frequent injury sustained predominantly by middle aged males. Despite the prevalence of sport in this age group, little is known regarding return to sport outcomes following surgery. Methods Patients undergoing distal biceps tendon repair (DBR) between January 2015 and January 2017 were contacted electronically via e-mail and via telephone to administer a previously validated and standard return to sport survey. Patients self-reported pre-injury and current level of sport and activity as well as pre-injury and current level of select weightlifts. Results A total of 77/124 patients were available for follow-up (62.1%). Of these patients, 61 endorsed preoperative sport, and were included for analysis. Average follow-up was 38.7 ± 6.7 months. The mean age at surgery was 47.5 ± 8.8 years, and mean BMI was 30.3 ± 5.1. The dominant side was affected in 25 of 61 cases. Of the 61 included patients, 57 (93.4%) were able to return to sport at any level (lower, same, or higher intensity than preinjury activity level). Forty of the patients (65.6%) were able to return to sport at same/higher intensity. Mean time to return to sport was 6.0 ± 2.8 months. Days from injury to surgery (OR: 0.999, 95% CI: 0.998 – 0.999), suture anchor fixation in comparison to suture button (OR: 0.602, 95% CI: 0.427 – 0.850), and dominant side surgery (OR: 0.749, 95% CI: 0.582 – 0.963) were associated with a decreased likelihood to return to sport at same/higher level of duty. Single-sided incision in comparison to double (OR: 5.209, 95% CI: 1.239 – 20.903) and dominant side surgery (OR: 6.370, 95% CI: 1.639 – 24.762) were associated with increased duration to return to sport. Conclusion Distal biceps tendon rupture is a significant injury, although, patients can expect high levels of return to sport following DBR with some residual impairment compared to baseline. It is important to counsel patient expectations with the results of this study as there is a small but appreciable decrease in strength when compared to pre-injury levels.