Treatment of Partial Distal Biceps Tendon Tears

Background: Partial rupture of the biceps tendon (DBT) is a significant concern for athletes, especially those engaged in sports that require frequent elbow flexion and forearm supination. These injuries can notably impact an athlete's performance and longevity. While they are less common than complete tears, partial ruptures pose unique challenges in diagnosis and management. The distal biceps tendon plays a crucial role in elbow flexion and forearm supination, making its integrity vital for athletes across various sports disciplines. Understanding optimal treatment approaches for partial DBT tears is essential to ensure the best possible outcomes and return to sports for injured athletes. Despite the availability of various treatment methods, deciding on the best therapeutic approach remains a challenge in sports medicine. Methods: This study examined different treatment methods for partial ruptures of the biceps tendon. The research involved analyzing clinical data from patients with partial tears treated non-surgically and surgically from ۲۰۰۲ onward. Patients were divided into two groups: the first group received non-surgical treatment, including physical therapy, use of a brace, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while the second group underwent surgical treatment, which involved tendon repair and reconstruction. Evaluations included comparing pain symptoms, range of motion, and quality of life of patients over a ۱۲-month follow-up period. Results: Results indicated that both treatment methods were reasonably effective in reducing pain and improving patient function. In the non-surgical treatment group, ۷۲% of patients reported significant improvement in their symptoms, whereas the surgical group experienced an ۸۵% improvement. Additionally, range of motion was significantly greater in the surgical group compared to the non-surgical group. Quality of life also improved in both groups, but patients in the surgical group expressed more satisfaction with their treatment outcomes. Furthermore, surgery-related complications occurred in only about ۱۰% of patients, which included infection and mismatch in recovery progress. Additionally, patients with more severe tears who underwent surgery showed that their functional capabilities quickly returned to pre-injury levels. Conclusion: Overall, this study concludes that both treatment methods are effective for partial tears of the biceps tendon, but surgical treatment generally provides better outcomes in improving function and quality of life for patients. However, careful clinical evaluation and consultation with specialists are necessary to choose the appropriate treatment method. Additionally, these results indicate that various factors, including the severity of the injury, the patient's activity level, and their expectations, should be considered when deciding on the suitable therapeutic approach. Moreover, further studies are essential to determine the best methods and timing for treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Partial distal biceps tendon tear ، athletes ، conservative management ، surgical repair ، rehabilitation ، MRI diagnosis