Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis for Tenosynovitis of the Long Head of the Biceps in Active Patients Younger Than 45 Years Old

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes after subpectoral biceps tenodesis (BT) for long head of the biceps (LHB) tenosynovitis in active patients <45 years old.

Methods: This was an Institutional Review Board-approved, retrospective outcomes study with prospectively collected data. Patients treated with subpectoral BT were included if they met the following criteria: age <45 years, anterior shoulder pain with arthroscopically confirmed LHB tenosynovitis, no concomitant procedures other than debridement and decompression procedures, and minimum 2 years out from surgery. Patients were excluded from analysis if they refused participation. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Short Form-12, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and pain scores as well as sports participation preoperatively and at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively were obtained. Pre- and postoperative scores were compared using paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: Thirty patients met the inclusion criteria. Two of these patients refused to participate in follow-up and were excluded from analysis. Of the remaining 28 patients (17 male, 11 female; 37.0 ± 8.0 years), minimum 2-year outcomes were available for 24 (13 males, 11 females: 37.7 ± 8.2 years; 85.7%). Mean follow-up was 3.1 years (range, 2.0 to 7.3 years). There were significant improvements in all outcome measures including ASES score (P < .001), with a postoperative mean of 95.8 ± 7.8, visual analog scale "pain today" (P < .001), and pain affecting activities of daily living (P < .001). Seventeen of 20 (85%) patients who answered the question about postoperative sport participation were able to return to sport. Mean patient satisfaction was 9.2/10 (standard deviation, +1.7). There were no postoperative complications such as Popeye deformity or cramping. There were no clinical failures.

Conclusions: Subpectoral BT is an excellent treatment option for active patients <45 years old with LHB tenosynovitis and chronic anterior shoulder pain, resulting in decreased pain, improved function, high satisfaction, and improved quality of life.

Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.