Biceps Tenotomy Vs Tenodesis in Patients Younger Than 50, Systematic Review

Purpose: The objective of this meta-analysis was to offer an up-to-date comparison of clinical outcomes of tenotomy and tenodesis in the surgical treatment of LHB tendinopathy in patients under the age of 50. Methods: A literature search was conducted in EMBASE, PubMed/Medline and the Cochrane database from January 2010 to Dec 2020. All studies that compared the clinical results of LHB tenotomy and tenodesis were included. Results: The Meta- analysis data were from nine studies that comprised 669 participants who had LHB tenotomy or tenodesis with or without other shoulder surgeries (mainly rotator cuff repairs). There were no clinically significant changes in the Constant score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Society Score, shoulder pain, elbow flexion strength loss, or forearm supination strength when tenodesis and tenotomy were compared in randomized studies. Patients who have tenodesis were less likely to develop a Popeye deformity. Conclusion: In a meta-analysis, patients who had a tenotomy were more likely to have a Popeye deformity. There is no evidencebased benefit of LHB tenodesis over tenotomy in terms of shoulder function, shoulder discomfort, or biceps-related strength, according to a large number of studies. It's unknown whether LHB tenodesis is beneficial to some patient populations, such as children. Keywords: Biceps, Tenotomy, Tenodesis, Rotator cuff, Meta-analysis

Incidence of avascular necrosis following biceps tenodesis during proximal humerus open reduction and internal fixation

Avascular necrosis (AVN) may occur in up to 77% of proximal humeral fractures and can cause fixation failure. Risk factors include fracture position, calcar length and medial hinge integrity. We routinely perform intra-articular biceps tenotomy with tenodesis at the level of pectoralis major to facilitate fragment identification and potentially ameliorate post-operative pain relief. Concern exists that tenotomising the biceps damages the adjacent arcuate artery, potentially increasing the rate of AVN. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether biceps tenodesis is associated with an increased risk of radiographically evident humeral head AVN. 61 fractures surgically treated over a 52-month period were retrospectively reviewed and radiographically assessed in accordance with Neer’s classification, calcar-length and medial hinge integrity. 40, 20 and 1 were four-, three- and two-part fractures respectively. 37 had a calcar-length less than 8mm and 26 suffered loss of the medial hinge. The median radiographic follow-up was 23 months. There was radiographic evidence of humeral head AVN in only one case, comparing favourably to rates quoted in current literature. In our experience, intra-articular biceps tenotomy with the deltopectoral approach was thus not associated with a significantly increased risk of humeral head AVN, even in complex four-part fractures.

SLAP Tears

Background: Superior labral tears are frequently encountered during shoulder arthroscopy. Outcomes following superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) repairs in young athletes have been well documented. Superior labral repairs in older patient population continue to remain controversial due to concerns of postoperative complications including persistent preoperative symptoms, pain, stiffness, and higher rates of revision surgery. Indications: We present a case of a highly active 38-year-old woman who failed 1½ years of nonoperative management of a type IIB SLAP tear with extension to the posterior labrum. Her symptoms continued to limit her hobbies and work. Technique: A knotless single-anchor SLAP repair was performed along with debridement of the posterior frayed labrum. No biceps tenotomy or tenodesis was performed after full evaluation of the tendon failed to demonstrate evidence of synovitis, tendinopathy, or tear. The patient also did not have any concomitant shoulder pathology, including a rotator cuff tear or chondral lesion. Results: At 6 months, the patient had regained full range of motion similar to the contralateral side. She had returned to her normal activities and sports, including tennis. Discussion/Conclusion: Successful outcomes following SLAP repairs in patients over 35 years can be achieved, but treatment should be individualized with particular attention to concomitant pathology involving the rotator cuff, chondral surface, or biceps tendon which may require tenodesis or tenotomy.