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

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes after subpectoral biceps tenodesis (BT) for long head ofthe biceps (LHB) tenosynovitis in active patients <45years old. 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 <45years, anterior shoulder pain with arthroscopically confirmed LHB tenosynovitis, no concomitant procedures other than debridement and decompression procedures, and minimum 2years out from surgery. Patients were excluded from analysis if they refused participation. The American Shoulder andElbow 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 2years postoperatively were obtained. Pre- and postoperative scores were compared using paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. 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 ± 8.0years), minimum 2-year outcomes were available for 24 (13 males, 11 females: 37.7 ± 8.2years; 85.7%). Mean follow-up was 3.1years (range, 2.0 to 7.3years). 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 dailyliving (P < .001). Seventeen of 20 (85%) patients who answered the question about postoperative sportparticipation were able to return to sport. Mean patient satisfaction was 9.2/10 (standard deviation,+1.7). Therewere no postoperative complications such as Popeye deformity or cramping. There were no clinical failures. Subpectoral BT is an excellent treatment option for active patients <45years old with LHB tenosynovitis and chronic anterior shoulder pain, resulting in decreased pain, improved function, high satisfaction, and improved quality of life. Level IV, therapeutic case series.