Promising mid-term results seen for arthroscopic subdeltoid transfer of the long head of biceps tendon

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Researchers discovered good to excellent results at mid-term follow-up in nearly 90% of patients who underwent arthroscopic subdeltoid transfer of the long head of the biceps tendon to the conjoint tendon.

“Arthroscopic subdeltoid transfer of the long head of the biceps tendon to the conjoint tendon is a safe and durable option as an intervention for chronic refractory biceps tendonitis in the mid-term,” Samuel A. Taylor, MD, said during his presentation at the Arthroscopy Association of North America Annual Meeting.

Taylor, the winner of the J. Whit Ewing Resident/Fellow Essay Award, and colleagues analyzed 93 consecutive shoulders in 90 patients with a mean age of 44 years and an average follow-up of 6.5 years. Thirty-seven shoulders underwent concomitant procedures and the remaining shoulders underwent an isolated long head of the biceps tendon transfer.

Good to excellent outcomes were seen in 89% of patients and the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons composite score was 87 at average follow-up.

“We had no incidence of major complications,” Taylor said. – by Christian Ingram

Reference:

Taylor S. Paper #SS-19. Presented at: Arthroscopy Association of North America Annual Meeting; May 1-3, 2014; Hollywood, Fla.

Disclosure: Taylor has no relevant financial disclosures.