title: Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures: An Epidemiological Analysis Using a Large Population Database.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The incidence of distal biceps tendon ruptures was studied more than 10 years ago in a small patient cohort. Recent diagnostic advancements have improved the ability to detect this rare injury.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The incidence of distal biceps tendon ruptures will be significantly greater than previously reported.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive epidemiologic study.
  
  
  METHODS
  A query of the PearlDiver Technologies national database containing public and private insurance patients was used to estimate the national incidence of distal biceps tendon ruptures in the United States. A retrospective chart review of our local population identified demographic groups and risk factors that increased likelihood of injury.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The estimated national incidence of distal biceps tendon rupture was 2.55 per 100,000 patient-years. The local incidence was 5.35 per 100,000 patient-years. The mean and median ages of patients in our regional cohort were 46.3 and 46 years, respectively. Males composed the majority of the injured population (national 95%, regional 96%). Smoking and elevated body mass index were found to be associated with increased likelihood of injury, while diabetes mellitus showed no association.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incidence of distal biceps tendon ruptures in this study was higher than previously reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA mpkelly3@wisc.edu.
authors.forename: Mick P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic Health System, Owatonna, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Scott G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Perkinson
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Robert H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Ablove
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Tueting
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012421:Rupture / Q000453:epidemiology; D012907:Smoking; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: distal biceps tendon; elbow; epidemiology; upper extremity