Distal biceps: why I switched to a curvilinear incision

I used to keep distal biceps repair incisions short. The scars were small, but exposure fought me more than I liked.

I switched to a curvilinear incision. I get better visualization of the tendon and the footprint, and the scar settles cleaner.

Photo 1 is the older shorter dual-incision approach. Photo 2 is the curvilinear incision early in healing.

Better exposure. Prettier scar. Same standard I use on myself: I treat it like it’s my own hand.

—R—