title: The effect of steroid-abuse on anatomic reinsertion of ruptured distal biceps brachii tendon.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is an increase in the number of anabolic-steroid (AS)-abusing trainees, who suffer from sports injuries, needing reconstruction surgery. Rupture of the distal biceps brachii tendon is a common injury in this group.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The study aimed to investigate the effect of AS abuse in the anatomic reconstruction of the ruptured distal biceps brachii tendon along with an immediate range-of-motion postoperative protocol.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted an observation study of 17 male athletes suffering from distal biceps tendon ruptures. Six of them reported that they abused AS (group A), whereas the non-users comprised group B (n=11). Both groups were treated with the modified single-incision technique with two suture anchors and an immediate active range-of-motion protocol postoperatively. Follow-up was at 4, 16 and 52 weeks postoperatively, with a final follow-up at 24 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Follow-up at 4, 16 and 52 weeks postoperatively showed a statistical significance in favour of group A for therapeutic outcomes concerning flexion, supination, pronation, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Disability Symptom Scores, Mayo Elbow Performance Elbow Scores and isometric muscle strength tests for both flexion and supination. Twenty-four months postoperatively, statistical significance in favour of group A was recorded in isometric muscle strength tests for both flexion and supination and also in DASH Disability Symptom Score.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of our study suggest that there is a correlation between the effect of AS and the quicker and better recuperation and rehabilitation observed in group A. Nonetheless, these results must be interpreted with caution, and further in vivo research is needed to confirm these findings.
authors.affiliation: 1st Orthopaedic Clinic of Aristotle's University of Thessaloniki, G.U.H.G. Papanikolaou, Thessaloniki, Greece. 6972550911@mycosmos.gr
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pagonis
authors.forename: Panagiotis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Givissis
authors.forename: Kostantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ditsios
authors.forename: Athanasios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pagonis
authors.forename: Georgios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Petsatodis
authors.forename: Anastasios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Christodoulou
mesh_terms: D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D004550:Elbow / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000187:drug effects; D012421:Rupture / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D053441:Suture Anchors; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
chemical_list: D045930:Anabolic Agents