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. 2024 Aug 20;4(4):26350254241244402.
doi: 10.1177/26350254241244402. eCollection 2024 Jul-Aug.

SpeedBridge Technique for Open Distal Triceps Tendon Repair

Janina Kaarre  1   2 , Stephen E Marcaccio  1 , Gillian Ahrendt  1 , Fritz Steuer  1 , Michael Nammour  1   3 , Neilen A Benvegnu  1 , Jonathan F Dalton  1 , Albert Lin  1
Affiliations

SpeedBridge Technique for Open Distal Triceps Tendon Repair

Janina Kaarre et al. Video J Sports Med. .

Abstract

Background: Distal triceps tendon ruptures occur most commonly in middle-aged males, with possible rupture locations including the musculotendinous junction, mid-tendon, or most commonly, at the tendinous insertion. This surgical technique video demonstrates a hybrid distal triceps tendon repair construct utilizing transosseous sutures, SpeedBridge compression, and knotless suture anchor fixation.

Indications: Indications for this procedure include an acute injury with complete avulsion of the distal triceps tendon from the olecranon and extension weakness. The goals of surgical repair include restoration of the tendon footprint on the olecranon and the creation of a strong fixation construct that balances tension to optimize healing and restore functional range of motion.

Technique description: The proximal avulsed tendon is prepared with two number 2 suture tapes placed in a locking Krackow fashion. The locking stitch exit point is determined at a distance proximal to the distal end of the tendon to optimize tension after the reduction of the tendon to the footprint. Two looped sutures are then passed through the tendon at the same exit level as the locking stitch, 1 on the medial and lateral sides of the locking stitch, respectively. Two transosseous tunnels are drilled obliquely, from proximal to distal, through the olecranon. A 4.75-mm suture anchor is then drilled and tapped in the proximal ulna, in between 2 transosseous tunnel exit points, for lateral placement. The medial and lateral locked stitches are passed through the medial and lateral transosseous tunnels, respectively. The SpeedBridge construct is formed by passing one suture from each locking stitch limb back through the tendon using the previously placed looped sutures as shuttling devices. After appropriate tensioning, the sutures are secured into the previously drilled 4.75-mm suture anchor in a specific fashion.

Results: Current literature suggests that the SpeedBridge technique for triceps tendon repair demonstrates good functional and clinical outcomes with high satisfaction rates, elbow functional scores, and rates of returning to work/activity, coupled with low complication rates.

Conclusion: The hybrid SpeedBridge construct is an effective technique for acute distal triceps tendon repair.

Patient consent disclosure statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Keywords: SpeedBridge; transosseous; triceps tendon; triceps tendon repair.

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Conflict of interest statement

One or more of the authors has declared the following potential conflict of interest or source of funding: A.L. is a paid consultant and receives intellectual property royalties from Stryker/Tornier and Arthrex; is a committee or board member for American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, AOSSM, International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS), and Rotator Cuff Study Group; is on the editorial or governing board for Arthroscopy, Journal of ISAKOS, and Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy; is an associated editor for JBJS Case Connector; and is a reviewer for The American Journal of Sports Medicine, Journal of American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, and Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. AOSSM checks author disclosures against the Open Payments Database (OPD). AOSSM has not conducted an independent investigation on the OPD and disclaims any liability or responsibility relating thereto.

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References

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