Patient-Reported Outcome Measures of a Novel Cortical Button System for Distal Biceps Tendon Repair: A Retrospective Study

Background There are a number of different techniques available for the repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures. Recent evidence has revealed satisfactory clinical outcomes for suture button techniques. Aims The aim of this study was to determine if the ToggleLoc(TM) soft tissue fixation device (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana) confers satisfactory clinical outcomes in the surgical management of distal biceps ruptures. Methods Twelve consecutive patients underwent distal biceps repair using the ToggleLoc(TM) soft tissue fixation device over a two-year period. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were collected by means of validated questionnaires on two occasions. Symptoms and function were quantified using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and the Oxford Elbow Score (OES). Patient-reported health scores were determined using the EQ-5D-3L (European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version) questionnaire. Results The mean initial follow-up time was 10.4 months and the mean final follow-up time was 34.6 months. The mean DASH score at the initial follow-up was 5.9 (se = 3.6), compared to 2.9 (se = 1.0) at the final follow-up (p = 0.30). The mean OES at the initial follow-up was 91.5 (se = 4.1); and 91.5 (se = 5.2) at the final follow-up (p = 0.23). The mean EQ-5D-3L level sum score at the initial follow-up was 5.3 (se = 0.3); and 5.8 (se = 0.5) at the final follow-up (p = 0.34). Discussion The ToggleLoc(TM) soft tissue fixation device confers satisfactory clinical outcomes, as determined by PROMS, in the surgical management of distal biceps ruptures.