Subpectoral biceps tenodesis improved outcomes in long head of the biceps tendon pathology
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Published results showed significant improvement in shoulder outcomes with reliable return to activity levels and low risk for complications among patients who underwent primary subpectoral open biceps tenodesis for superior labrum anterior and posterior tears or pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon.
Researchers evaluated the outcomes of 101 active-duty military personnel with type II superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) tears or biceps tenosynovitis treated with open, subpectoral tenodesis at a minimum follow-up of 18 months. Outcomes were based on preoperative and postoperative assessments of the single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE), Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index, biceps position and return to active duty.
Results showed 39.6% of patients had type II SLAP tears and 60.4% of patients had biceps tendonitis without SLAP tear. Researchers found a significant improvement in patient outcomes after open, subpectoral tenodesis with improvements in the WORC index from 54% preoperatively to 89% postoperatively and SANE from 58 preoperatively to 89.5 postoperatively. At a mean of 4.1 months, 82% of patients returned to full activity. Researchers noted no clinical differences in the biceps muscle measured relative to the antecubital fossa of operative vs. nonoperative sides. Researchers also found a complication rate of 8%, which included three patients who required revision, two superficial infections and three transient neurapraxias.
“Our current study suggests expanding the indications for primary subpectoral biceps tenodesis provides statistically significant clinical improvement in shoulder outcomes with a safe, reliable and efficient return to previous activity level,” the authors wrote. “Furthermore, our study involved young, active military personnel, thereby supporting biceps tenodesis is an attractive alternative to SLAP repair or tenotomy in an active patient population.” – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: Provencher reports he received support for consultancy from Arthrex and JRF Ortho; has patents issued under patent numbers 9226743, 20150164489, 20150150594 and 20110040339; receives IP royalties from Arthrex; and receives publishing royalties from SLACK Incorporated. Please see the study for all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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