• BACKGROUND
    • Despite improved methods of fixation, there is still a delay in early active motion after distal biceps repair.
  • HYPOTHESIS
    • Distal biceps repairs using the modified 2-incision technique can be treated with early motion, and there is no difference in the cyclic performance of Ethibond and Fiberwire when used for the repair.
  • STUDY DESIGN
    • Controlled laboratory study.
  • METHODS
    • Nine matched pairs of cadaveric elbows had release of the distal biceps followed by repair with either No. 5 Ethibond or Fiberwire through a bone tunnel. The repairs were cyclically loaded for 3000 cycles (1000 cycles from 10-50 N, 1000 cycles from 10-75 N, 1000 cycles from 10-100 N) followed by single-load displacement to failure in surviving specimens.
  • RESULTS
    • There was no difference in the displacement or stiffness between surviving repairs at any point measured. Ethibond repairs survived significantly more cycles than did Fiberwire repairs, particularly at higher loads.
  • CONCLUSION
    • Distal biceps repair using the 2-incision technique with Ethibond should allow early active motion, but early active motion may not be possible with Fiberwire.