Evaluation of MRI Signal Changes of the Distal Biceps Tendon in Asymptomatic Patients.

PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used widely for complete ruptures of the distal biceps tendon. The validity of this investigation for bicipital bursitis and tendinosis is unknown. The purpose of present study was to assess the prevalence of incidental (asymptomatic) signal changes in the distal biceps tendon in patients who underwent MRI including the elbow. Our null hypothesis was that signal changes of the distal biceps tendon do not occur in asymptomatic patients. This would empower MRI as a diagnostic tool for bicipital bursitis and tendinosis as well as complete and partial distal biceps tendon ruptures. METHODS: We evaluated 1,191 elbow MRI scans including the distal biceps tendon insertion. The prevalence of incidental findings was calculated and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, false positive probability, and false negative probability were calculated. RESULTS: Signal changes of the distal biceps tendon or bursitis were identified in 8 of 1,191 asymptomatic patients (prevalence 0.6%). The sensitivity of MRI for distal biceps pathology was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93%-99%), specificity 99% (95% CI, 98%-99%), positive predictive value 94% (95% CI, 89%-97%), negative predictive value 99% (95% CI, 99%-99%), false positive probability 6% (95% CI, 3%-10%), and false negative probability 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.9%). There was no correlation between explanatory variables, including age, sex, race, occupation, and inflammatory disease and incidental distal biceps tendon signal changes. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of distal biceps tendon signal changes on MRI in asymptomatic patients is very low. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The negative predictive value of 99% shows that patients without signal changes on MRI may be assumed to have no distal biceps tendon pathology. MRI investigation of distal biceps tendon is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of tendinosis and bicipital bursitis.

Radial tuberosity anatomy in intramedullar repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures. A radiological study.

The aim of this study was to measure cortex thickness and medullar canal width of the bicipital tuberosity, to evaluate the accessibility of a intramedullar fixation device and the resistance to pullout strengths of the anterior cortex. The final objective was to determine the length of tendon ingrowth size that will be expected when using this surgical technique. A total of 144 computer tomography images of the proximal radius were used. Bone thickness of the anterior and posterior cortex and medullar canal size were measured. The possible ingrowth of the tendon was measured both for an anatomical and non- anatomical reinsertion. Statistical and concordance analyses of results were performed. The average width of the medullar canal was 8,7mm proximal, 7,9mm distal and 7,7mm at the tuberosity. The average posterior and anterior cortex measured respectively 2,5mm and 2,9mm proximal, 3,2mm and 3,2mm distal and 2,8mm and 1,9mm at the radial tuberosity. The possible non-anatomical ingrowth was 7,6 mm on average and the possible anatomical ingrowth was 7,6mm on average. The radial tuberosity anatomy can accommodate the new distal biceps fixation device. The anterior cortex on which the new device relies for support has a similar thickness as the posterior cortex used in bicortical fixation devices which may suggest similar resistance to pull-out strengths. The availability for intra-osseous fixation of the tendon stump may avoids tendon gapping. The intra-osseous length for the tendon stump surpassed reported tendon slippage during mobilization and active contraction of the distal biceps tendon.

Polyethylene liner fracture in dual mobility trapeziometacarpal total joint replacement: how to make a timely diagnosis?

We present a case of fracture of the polyethylene liner of a dual-mobility trapeziometacarpal total joint arthroplasty. Standard radiographic imaging was normal. This case highlights the importance of dynamic radiographic imaging to make a timely diagnosis.

Anatomical intramedullary distal biceps tendon fixation. Our first experience.

Background: Intramedullary fixatiovn in distal biceps tendon repair has been proposed to address specific shortcomings of current fixation techniques. Previous studies described a nonanatomical repair. Hypothesis: The purpose of the present study is to report the short-term outcomes of an anatomic intramedullary fixation. Study Design: We evaluated functional and radiographic outcomes up to 6 months of follow-up. Methods: Patients with an acute distal biceps tendon rupture eligible for surgical repair were invited to take part in the study. Eleven patients were included in the final analysis. All patients were evaluated both clinically and radiographically at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Outcomes were recorded using the visual analog scale score for pain, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores. The radiographic evaluation comprised X-ray and CT evaluation. Results: There were no failures of fixation in the patient group examined. Elbow mobility was symmetric for all patients from 6 months onward. Supination strength was similar uninjured side at final follow-up. Mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and Mayo Elbow Performance Score at final follow-up were 0 and 100, respectively. Computed tomography images showed no signs of button migration, cortical thinning due to button pressure or button breakout. The tendon could be followed to the button in all cases. One case of heterotopic ossification was seen. Conclusions: Anatomical intramedullary fixation of the DBT has excellent functional outcomes at 6 months. The anatomical repair resulted in a restoration of supination strength. This technique allows the anatomical reinsertion of the distal biceps tendon while minimizing the risk of PIN injury. The intraosseous position of the tendon avoids gap formation. No adverse reactions of the button on the bone were seen.