Surgically treated acute distal biceps tendon injuries: What results do they have in comparison with the contralateral healthy arm? A systematic review and meta-analysis

•Optimal treatment of acute distal biceps tendon injury is still a topic of debate.•Few studies compare the acute operated arm and the healthy arm.•A total of 18 studies with 272 surgically treated distal biceps ruptures were included in the study.•The mean follow-up time was of 39.6months (24 to 72months).•The results showed significant differences in the ROM flexion, supination, and pronation, and in isokinetic and isometric data between the operated and the non-injured healthy arms.•The differences in functional outcomes between the operated and healthy arm data were slight, indicating a good overall functional outcome.•Surgical treatment of acute distal biceps tendon injury is confirmed to be a good choice.