Dominant vs nondominant arm in surgical repair of distal biceps tendon rupture. A case-control series of isotonic muscle strength evaluation

Background. This case-control study investigated arm recovery from surgery for a ruptured distal tendon in terms of maximal strength, power, and endurance compared to the healthy contralateral arm, taking into account limb dominance. Methods. An S-shaped single incision and suture anchor repair was used in all 15 patients. All patients were right-arm dominant and of them none participated in a specific postoperative physical therapy program. Outcomes were evaluated based on range of motion and with the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) test, Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), and Bromberg and Morrey questionnaire. Muscle function was assessed with MuscleLab. Results. Average test scores were as follows: DASH, 3.53/100; MEPI, 93/100; and Bromberg and Morrey, 90.87/100. There were significant differences in supination (P = 0.007), maximum lifted weight (P = 0.005763), strength during endurance exercise (P = 0.004366), and maximum strength in flexion (P = 0.045584) between impaired and healthy arms. Conclusions. Limb dominance is not a critical issue for the choice of treatment and functional evaluation following surgical repair of ruptured distal tendon.