The management of the long head of the biceps in rotator cuff repair: A comparative study of high vs. subpectoral tenodesis

Background: Tenodesis of the long head of the biceps (LHB) is commonly undertaken during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. We assessed the clinical and structural outcomes after high arthroscopic tenodesis (HAT) or mini-open subpectoral tenodesis (ST). We hypothesized that the clinical and structural results after HAT and ST are similar.

Methods: We included 40 patients with rotator cuff tear and LHB tendinopathy. Twenty patients (7 women and 13 men; mean age: 57.9 years; range: 56-63 years) were treated using HAT, and 20 patients (8 women and 12 men; mean age: 58.5 years; range: 55-64 years) were treated using ST. Functional evaluation was performed preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery, using the Constant Murley Score and Simple Shoulder Test scores; the LHB was evaluated using the LHB score. A Visual Analogue Scale was administered to all patients preoperatively and 2 days after surgery.

Results: The postoperative total and pain subscale's Constant scores were significantly higher in the ST group. Moreover, 2 LHB score values were significantly different between the groups. The postoperative LHB total score in the ST and HAT groups averaged 86.9 ± 4.1 (mean ± SD) points and 73.3 ± 6.4 points, respectively. The Pain/Cramps subscale in the ST and HAT groups averaged 47.1 ± 5.9 and 33.2 ± 4.6 points, respectively. The 2 groups showed no difference in Visual Analogue Scale values (5.5 in the HAT group; 5.8 in the ST group) postoperatively. One patient in the HAT group reported a secondary onset of Popeye deformity.

Conclusion: Both high arthroscopic and mini-open ST of the LHB tendon produced reliably good functional results, but the ST group was associated with better postoperative clinical outcomes.