Polymers in Medicine

Polim. Med.
Scopus CiteScore: 3.5 (CiteScore Tracker 3.6)
Index Copernicus (ICV 2023) – 121.14
MEiN – 70
ISSN 0370-0747 (print)
ISSN 2451-2699 (online) 
Periodicity – biannual

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Polymers in Medicine

2016, vol. 46, nr 2, July-December, p. 163–169

doi: 10.17219/pim/0000

Publication type: original article

Language: English

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Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 Open Access

A Retrospective Evaluation of Anatomical Reinsertion of the Distal Biceps Brachii Tendon Using an ACL TightRope® RT with a Titanium Cortical Button and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Suture: A Preliminary Report

Jarosław Witkowski1,A,B,C,D,F, Maciej Kentel2,A,E,F, Aleksandra Królikowska3,A,B,F, Paweł Reichert1,A,E,F

1 Department of Traumatology, Clinic of Traumatology and Hand Surgery, Wroclaw University Clinical Hospital, Wroclaw, Poland

2 eMKaMED Medical Centre, Wroclaw, Poland

3 The College of Physiotherapy, Wrocław, Poland

Abstract

Background. Various surgical techniques for treating distal biceps brachii tendon injury have been described, and to date there is no consensus regarding the preferred fixation method for the anatomic reinsertion of the ruptured tendon.
Objectives. The aim of the study was to clinically and functionally evaluate the upper limb after surgical anatomic reinsertion of the distal biceps brachii tendon using an ACL TightRope® RT with a titanium cortical button and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture, and to assess postoperative complications.
Material and Methods. The sample comprised 3 patients. Clinical examination (history, measurements of the active range of forearm motion, arm circumference, the maximum isometric forearm supination and flexion muscle torque), pain evaluation (on a visual analogue scale [VAS]) and functional assessment (the Mayo Elbow Performance Index [MEPI] and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]) were carried out. Complications were documented.
Results. The results of the range of motion measurements, arm circumferences and normalized isometric torque values of the muscle groups being studied were comparable in the involved and uninvolved limbs. The MEPI (x = 95.00 ± 10.42) and Quick DASH (x = 8.66 ± 18.04) scores revealed very good results. The VAS results were close to no pain (x = 3.33 ± 5.77 mm). No complications were noted.
Conclusion. The preliminary comprehensive clinical and functional assessment of the upper limb justify the clinical use of the ACL TightRope® RT with a titanium cortical button and UHMWPE suture in surgical anatomic reinsertion of the distal biceps brachii tendon. The early results with a small sample were encouraging, but studies with a larger number of cases and longer follow-up are needed.

Key words

fixation method, flexion, supination, muscle torque, UHMWPE

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