Acute distal biceps tendon rupture during weightlifting: a clinical case

Abstract

Distal biceps tendon ruptures (DBTRs) commonly occur at the site where the tendon is inserted into the radial tubercle,
accounting for 3% of tendon ruptures. The purpose of this study was to present a case of acute rupture of the distal biceps
tendon during weightlifting exercise and to review the literature on the most appropriate treatment for this type of injury. A
33-year-old man was taken to the emergency room with an indirect injury to his right elbow, but he lifted about 7.5 during
biceps training at the gym and developed to a one-day condition.Elbow pain after 1 kg of weight. He had an ultrasound and
confirmed a complete rupture of the distal biceps tendon. The distal biceps tendon was reinserted with a button and screw
system (Arthrex Distal BicepsButton™, USA), and there were no complications either immediately after the operation or
thereafter. At the final evaluation at 6-month follow-up, the patient had complete range of motion, pain or weakness,
unrestricted activities of daily living, and good functional outcome. Compared to conservative treatment, surgery is better for
younger people and those with high physical requirements for complete rupture of the distal biceps tendon. Therefore,
complete damage to the tendon at the junction of the bone and tendon is treated with surgery first by reinserting the tendon,
enabling morphological reconstruction and full functional recovery of the damaged upper limb.