Arthroscopic extra-articular suprapectoral biceps tenodesis with knotless suture anchor

Return to Sports and Clinical Results After All-Arthroscopic Biceps Tenodesis Using a 2.7-mm Knotless PEEK Suture Anchor

Background

The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) is a well-known source of pain in the shoulder, especially in active patients.

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes and return-to-sports rate after all-arthroscopic suprapectoral tenodesis of the LHBT using a small knotless anchor.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 27 patients-who underwent all-arthroscopic tenodesis of the LHBT using a 2.7-mm knotless polyether ether ketone anchor-were evaluated. Sports activities, the return-to-sports rate, and other sports-related parameters (eg, pain during sports, level of sports) were examined. Sports-related data, the Constant score with isometric force (at 90° of abduction in the scapular plane), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score, the visual analog scale (VAS) score for satisfaction, range of motion, and the presence of a Popeye deformity were assessed at a mean follow-up of 15.3 ± 8.7 months. The data were initially analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

The postoperative ASES, Constant, and SST scores were 81.61, 85.74 and 8.85, respectively. Of the 27 patients, 4 patients (14.8%) showed a Popeye deformity. Preoperatively, 25 patients (92.6%) participated regularly in some type of sports activity. All 25 patients (100.0%) were able to return to sports activities after surgery. 24 (96.0%) returned to the same level preoperatively, with 88.0% (22/25) within 6 months. Patient satisfaction with the outcome was high (VAS score: 2.15 ± 2.78). Neither bicipital groove pain nor cramping was reported. There were no signs of osteolytic bone around the anchor or a fracture of the humeral bone.

Conclusion

Our clinical results after using a 2.7-mm knotless anchor for LHBT tenodesis as well as the return-to-sports rate were satisfying. Using an anchor this size can lower the risk of cortical bone damage and therefore the risk of fractures of the humeral head while still enabling patients to perform at a high level.

Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis Using an All-Suture Anchor

Long head biceps tendon pathology is a substantial contributor to anterior shoulder pain and often requires surgical intervention to offer a return to normal functionality. Surgical treatment options consist of both open and arthroscopic tenodesis or tenotomy of the long head biceps brachii. Several techniques exist for tenodesis and tenotomy of the biceps, although current debate continues regarding which surgical approach is the optimal intervention for symptomatic bicep pathology. In this technical note, we describe a subpectoral biceps tenodesis of the long head bicep tendon using an all-suture anchor. Our technique offers the advantages of using an all-suture anchor that incorporates a self-tensioning mechanism with direct visualization of the tendon during biceps tenodesis and anchor insertion.

Arthroscopic Biceps Tenodesis by Bicortical Drilling Technique

Pain arising from the long head of biceps tendon can cause significant disability of the shoulder. In young and physically demanding patients, biceps tenodesis is advised, in which the biceps tendon is cut from the native origin and fixed distally. Many methods have been proposed for this. This Technical Note describes arthroscopic biceps tenodesis in the bicipital groove by a bicortical drilling technique. The far cortex is breached only once by a guide wire, and the reamers do not breach the far cortex. The tendon is fixed in the new position using a PopLok anchor. This technique is safe and easy to perform but presents a learning curve.