Background: The recent addition of biceps tendon augmentation to partial arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) for the treatment of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears is proposed to improve clinical outcomes and reduce re-tears.
Materials and methods: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis (5 studies) was to compare outcomes between partial ARCR with (142 patients) and without (149 patients) biceps augmentation.
Results: Partial ARCR with and without biceps augmentation were comparable in pain, function, and range of motion. However, biceps augmentation vs no augmentation at all during ARCR may lower re-tear rates for irreparable large-to-massive rotator cuff tears (42.9% vs 72.5%, P=.007).
Conclusion: More research is needed to investigate this technique and guide surgical decision-making. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(5):e217-e224.].