Popeye Sign Research Articles

The keyhole technique for arthroscopic tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon. In vivo prospective study with a radio-opaque marker

IntroductionIn some clinical situations such as when the Long Head of the Biceps (LHB) is unstable or with an “hourglass biceps”, treatment is required. Tenodesis is an alternative to tenotomy to prevent the Popeye sign. Although sutures, anchors or interference screws may be used, they all have complications and drawbacks. Moreover, the number of failures is underestimated because it only considers the visible deformities of the arm. MRI provides more accurate assessment, but is more expensive. We hypothesized that Froimson's “keyhole technique” which has been described in open surgery could be performed arthroscopically with similar clinical outcomes to conventional techniques and without the complications or drawbacks. We also propose an objective and less expensive assessment of treatment failure. Materials and methodsThis 12-month prospective study was performed by a single surgeon. All patients requiring LHB tenodesis underwent arthroscopic “keyhole technique” surgery performed at the upper edge of the Pectoralis major in the bicipital groove. The LHB was externalised, pulled back on itself and the intra-articular portion was resected. A metal marker was placed in the tendon. The latter was introduced into the keyhole and hangs spontaneously. The follow-up evaluation was performed during the third month with a clinical examination and a plain X-ray. Distal migration of the metal marker was the sign of the failure of tenodesis. ResultsBetween January 1st and December 31st, 2013, 123 patients were included. There were 87 men (70.7%) and 36 women (29.3%) and mean age was 52.2 (27–71). Eighty-eight patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Twenty-three patients (18.5%) had tenodesis failure shown by distal migration of the metal marker on plain X-rays. There were 21 men and 2 women. Only 13 had a visible Popeye sign and 1 was severe. None of the patients felt any discomfort, fatigue or painful cramping. There was no difference in flexion and supination strength from the healthy side. No complications were noted. Discussion and conclusionWe confirm the hypothesis that this arthroscopic technique is feasible and reproducible with clinical outcomes similar to conventional techniques but without the complications. The metal marker implanted in the LHB confirms the exact number of failures, which is a significant element in this study. Level of evidenceIV.

Long head of the biceps tendon pathology

Introduction:Disorders of the long head of the biceps tendon can exist in conjunction with other shoulder pathologies. It was proposed as a cause of pain in patients with rotator cuff injury. A detailed history, thorough physical examination and radiographical evaluation are necessary for a correct diagnosis. The aim of our study was to describe the surgical technique and analyze the results obtained in patients based on the same.Materials and Methods:Were included in this retrospective study 70 patients who had lesions in the long head of the biceps tendon, diagnosed with MRI treated at our institution with arthroscopic biotenodesis technique of the tendon with interference screw in the lower portion of the bicipital groove since January 2009 to January 2012. Functional clinical evaluation was performed with the appropriate scores for the disease (ASES, Rowe, Simple Shoulder Test, Constant Murley). Pain was evaluated using Visual Analog Scale.Results:The Rowe score was 86 points, 81 points ASES, SST 9 points, Constant and Murley 87 points. The VAS showed poor post surgical pain. At the time, no associated deformity similar to a Popeye sign was observed.Discussion:The decision to perform a surgical management of the long head of the biceps pathology depends on the clinical presentation, thorough physical examination with specific test, the presence of associated pathologies and failure of nonsurgical treatment.

Biceps Muscle Fatty Infiltration and Atrophy. A Midterm Review After Arthroscopic Tenotomy of the Long Head of the Biceps

Pathology of the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon is commonly treated by tenotomy. High levels of clinical function and patient satisfaction are reported in the short-term. The purpose of this study was to investigate the midterm effects of tenotomy on biceps fatty infiltration and atrophy in active working-age male patients. Twenty-five men (mean age, 57 years) were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 6.7 years after tenotomy. Bilateral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, and fatty infiltration of the biceps was assessed relative to the ipsilateral triceps. Seventeen participants had an intact contralateral LHB tendon. To assess atrophy, anterior muscle compartment volume was measured by serial cross-sectional area measurements on MRI. The tenotomized side was then compared to the healthy side in these 17 participants. Clinical scores were obtained using the QuickDASH and Oxford Elbow Score, and the occurrence of a Popeye sign and residual pain were recorded. Good clinical function was maintained at a mean follow-up time of 6.7 years (range, 4 to 10 years) (QuickDASH score of 7.1; standard error [SE], 1.8) and Oxford Elbow Score of 97.9 [SE 1.2]). Eleven of the 25 participants had a Popeye deformity. Four participants showed signs of fatty infiltration, and all were minor (grade 1). The mean decrease in total volume of the anterior musculature was 3.6%. In participants without a Popeye deformity, it was 3.3%, whereas it was 4.1% in participants with a Popeye sign (P = .8). In the midterm, LHB tenotomy in active men of working age does not result in fatty degeneration or substantial atrophy in the anterior musculature of the arm. Clinical function remains good. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

“Relaxed” Biceps Proximal Tenodesis: An Arthroscopic Technique With Decreased Residual Tendon Tension

Tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHB) at the upper part of the bicipital groove has been related to persistent postoperative bicipital pain. This is possibly due to the inflammation of the remaining tendon within the groove. This, in turn, could be attributed to the continual mechanical stress placed on the tendon in the narrow bicipital groove. Theoretically, should the LHB be more “relaxed,” the mechanical stress applied on it would be diminished. On the basis of this rationale, we present an arthroscopic biceps tenodesis technique, according to which the tendon is fixed at the entrance of the bicipital groove, using a bioabsorbable screw, relaxed by 5 mm. In this lax position, the residual LHB tension is expected to be decreased compared with the initial tension, whereas no cosmetic deformity (Popeye sign) or impaired muscular performance is anticipated.

Midterm Clinical Outcomes for Arthroscopic Subdeltoid Transfer of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon to the Conjoint Tendon

The aim of this study was to assess the midterm functional outcomes for arthroscopic subdeltoid transfer of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) to the conjoint tendon. Fifty-six shoulders in 54 patients (46 men, 8 women; mean age, 42 years) who underwent isolated arthroscopic subdeltoid LHBT transfer to the conjoint tendon by a single surgeon with a minimum of 4 years follow-up were evaluated with American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and L'Insalata scores. A subset of patients was available for physical examination. At an average of 6.4 years postoperatively, ASES and L'Insalata scores were 86 and 85, respectively, corresponding to 88% of patients rated good to excellent. Twelve shoulders (10 from men patients, 2 from women patients; mean age 41 years; average follow-up, 6.3 years) underwent physical examination. Mean University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score was 31, and there were no significant differences in side-to-side elbow flexion strength or endurance using a 10-pound weight. One patient had a Popeye sign. There were no major complications reported in this cohort. Arthroscopic transfer of the LHBT to the conjoint tendon is a safe and durable intervention for chronic refractory biceps tendinitis. LEVEL OF Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Tenotomy or tenodesis for long head biceps lesions in shoulders with reparable rotator cuff tears: a prospective randomised trial

Tenotomy and tenodesis are both effective for the treatment of long head biceps lesions. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of the two procedures in patients older than 55 years of age affected by reparable rotator cuff tears with concomitant long head biceps pathologies. Patients older than 55 years of age with long head biceps lesions and reparable rotator cuff tears were selected for this study. A total of 151 patients were randomly assigned to the tenotomy group (77 patients) or the tenodesis group (74 patients). Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was performed in all the patients. Before surgery, physical and radiological examinations were performed; the constant score was measured as well. After the operation, the surgical time, cost, pain (VAS scores), Popeye sign, cramping pain, constant scores, satisfaction level and the elbow flexion and forearm supination strength indices were recorded. Patients were followed for an average of 24 months. No significant differences in the clinical results for the constant scores, the forearm supination and elbow flexion strength indices, Popeye sign, cramping pain and satisfaction level were found between the groups. However, tenotomy required a shorter surgical time (40.4 ± 4.0 vs. 50.4 ± 5.9 min, P < 0.001) and resulted in faster pain relief (3.1 ± 1.8 vs. 4.8 ± 1.9, P < 0.001). Both tenotomy and tenodesis are effective and equal for the treatment of long head biceps lesions. However, because tenotomy requires a shorter surgical time and results in faster pain relief, tenotomy may be more suitable for the treatment of long head biceps lesions in patients older than 55 years of age with reparable rotator cuff tears. Therapeutic studies, Level I.

FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY AND RE-INTRODUCTION TO SPORT, AFTER REPAIR OF DISTAL BICEPS TEAR BY TWO-INCISION TECHNIQUE MAYO

IntroductionThree percent of all biceps tendon ruptures occur at the distal aspect, the rupture typically occuring in middle aged males after an eccentric extension load is applied to the elbow....

Images in clinical medicine: Popeye's sign

A72-year-old male with a history of bilateral rotator cuff tears presented to his primary care physician (PCP) with complaints of chronic shoulder pain and fatigue. Upon physical examination, a palpable mass was noted between his left shoulder and elbow, although he could not recall when the mass first appeared. Left arm cogwheel rigidity was also noted on physical examination. He denied any tenderness to the left shoulder, elbow, or previous mass palpation. The location of the mass is consistent with Popeye’s sign, a hallmark of biceps tendon rupture. He was referred to an orthopedic surgeon for evaluation but opted instead to strengthen his shoulder through physical therapy. (Published: 5 July 2013) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2013, 3 : 20688 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jchimp.v3i2.20688

Arthroscopic Transfer of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon

Objectives:Evaluation of the mid-term clinical and functional outcome in a cohort of patients who underwent transfer of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT).Methods:Patients diagnosed with biceps instability or related pathology that underwent arthroscopic assisted or all arthroscopic transfer of the long head of the biceps tendon to the conjoint tendon were considered. The procedure was performed either as an isolated procedure on in conjunction with another procedure by the senior author. Outcome surveys were collected for 157 patients with a subset of 43 patients available for clinical examination at 2-10 years postop time point. Outcome measures were based on American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and L’Insalata questionnaires. Ipsilateral and contralateral metrics were also evaluated.Results:157 patients (25 female, 132 male; average age 50 years; average postop 4.9 years) were evaluated with L’Insalata, UCLA, and ASES questionnaires, scoring 84.78, 29.77, and 83.4, respectively. In the 33 patients who had an isolated LHBT transfer, the L’Insalata, UCLA, and ASES scores were 79.52, 27.6, and 83.95, respectively. 43 shoulders (7 female, 36 male; average age 50 years; average postop 5.1 years) were available for clinical examination by a physician other than the treating surgeon. There was no statistically significant side-to- side strength difference using a 10-pound weight. All of the patients reported no arm pain at rest with regard to the biceps. 81% of patients reported no biceps tenderness upon palpation of the bicipital groove and 85.8% had a negative throwing test. 95.2% of patients had a negative active compression test. Speed’s and Yergason’s tests were negative in 90.5% and 95.2% of patients respectively. One patient (3%) complained of fatigue discomfort (soreness) isolated to the biceps muscle following resisted elbow flexion. Five patients (12.0%) had a Popeye sign and one patient (3%) exhibited biceps subsidence. 86% of patients were self-rated as good to excellent, with the remaining 14% reporting fair or poor results.Conclusion:Arthroscopic subdeltoid transfer of the LHBT to the conjoint tendon is an appropriate and reliable intervention for active patients with chronic, refractory biceps pathology. There was no loss of strength for biceps curls. All patients reported no pain isolated to biceps muscle at rest. Ninety-seven percent of patients had resolution of their preoperative biceps symptoms.

Ultrasound evaluation of the distal migration of the long head of biceps tendon following tenotomy in patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of tears of the rotator cuff

This study evaluates the position of the long head of biceps tendon using ultrasound following simple tenotomy, in patients with arthroscopically repaired rotator cuff tears. In total, 52 patients with a mean age of 60.7 years (45 to 75) underwent arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff and simple tenotomy of the long head of biceps tendon. At two years post-operatively, ultrasound revealed that the tendon was inside the bicipital groove in 43 patients (82.7%) and outside in nine (17.3%); in six of these it was lying just outside the groove and in the remaining three (5.8%) it was in a remote position with a positive Popeye Sign. A dynamic ultrasound scan revealed that the tenotomised tendons had adhered to the surrounding tissues (autotenodesis).The initial condition of the tendon influenced its final position (p < 0.0005). The presence of a Popeye sign was statistically influenced by the pre-operative co-existence of supraspinatus and subscapularis tears (p < 0.0001). It appears that the natural history of the tenotomised long head of biceps tendon is to tenodese itself inside or just outside the bicipital groove, while its pre-operative condition and coexistent subscapularis tears play a significant role in the occurrence of a Popeye sign.

The long head of biceps as a source of pain in active population: tenotomy or tenodesis? A comparison of 2 case series with isolated lesions

The tendon of the long head of the biceps (LHB) is a common source of pain in the shoulder, and the surgical treatments proposed are tenotomy or tenodesis performed in different ways. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical results (objective and subjective) of tenotomy versus soft tissue tenodesis. One-hundred and four patients with an isolated LHB pathology, arthroscopically treated between 2004 and 2007, were observed retrospectively. Forty-eight of these patients were treated with tenotomy and 56 with a soft tissue tenodesis technique. All the patients were evaluated by an independent observer with a minimum follow-up of 2 years which included VAS, DASH questionnaire, Constant score and ROM evaluation with a goniometer. All these evaluations were performed pre- and post-operatively. An independent expert radiologist then performed an ultrasound examination only in the post-operative evaluation of the tenodesis group looking to confirm the effectiveness of the procedure. In both groups, the scores were significantly improved. In the tenotomy group, 16.6 % of the patients had bicipital cramps for a mean post-operative time of 1 month. Constant score improved in both groups: 46.6 to 86.1 in tenotomy group and 48.9-84.9 in tenodesis group; VAS improved from 8.4 to 1.5 in tenotomy group and from 8.8 to 1.4 in tenodesis group; DASH scores changed from 42.5 to 13.6 in tenotomy group and from 55.8 to 11.4 in tenodesis group. Popeye sign was present in 37.5 % in the tenotomy group and in 5.3 % in tenodesis group. In 3 patients of the tenodesis group, ultrasound revealed complete failure of the tenodesis. In conclusion, both procedures are effective in terms of treatment of LHB pathologies. Tenotomy does not require specific post-operative treatment and is easy to perform, but cramp and Popeye sign may occur after surgery. The soft tissue tenodesis technique is an easy and cost-effective way to perform tenodesis with good results, especially in preventing the Popeye sign, but requires a longer rehabilitation time. Level of evidence IV.

Reparable rotator cuff tears with concomitant long-head biceps lesions: tenotomy or tenotomy/tenodesis?

The aim of the study was to determine clinical, functional, and radiological results of two groups of patients affected by rotator cuff tear with concomitant degeneration of the long head of the biceps tendon treated with tenotomy/tenodesis or tenotomy. Sixty-five patients were randomly assigned to group A (35 patients, tenotomy/tenodesis) and group B (30 patients, tenotomy). All patients underwent physical examination and simple shoulder test and Constant score scales. Moreover, they underwent dynamometric tests and power Doppler ultrasonography in order to evaluate the exact location of the long-head biceps and the vascularization of the repaired rotator cuff and of the long-head biceps. Physical examination and clinical evaluation scales showed satisfactory results in both groups, with no significant differences (n.s.). Popeye sign was detected in 5 patients (17%) of group B and in no one patient of group A. Ultrasound examination showed the LHB within the bicipital groove in 80% of group A and group B. Power Doppler ultrasonography showed signs of vascularization of the LHB in 20% of patients of group A and in 40% of group B and signs of vascularization of the repaired rotator cuff in 28% of group A and 40% of group B. Long head of the biceps tenotomy combined with tenodesis does not provide any significant clinical or functional improvement than isolated tenotomy. However, the incidence of the Popeye sign is significantly higher, even though not associated with any functional disfunction. Therapeutic study, Level II.

TENOTOMY WITH OR WITHOUT TENODESIS OF THE LONG HEAD OF THE BICEPS USING REPAIR OF THE ROTATOR CUFF

Objective: To compare the functional results among patients undergoing tenotomy with or without tenodesis of the long head of the biceps associated with arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff injuries, with a minimum two-year follow-up. Method: This was a retrospective non-randomized trial with evidence level III, in which the medical files of 77 patients with lesions of the long head of the biceps were reviewed and clinically reassessed. Among these, 55 patients underwent tenotomy without tenodesis and 22 underwent tenotomy with tenodesis, with outpatient follow-up for at least two years. The age, dominant side, operated side, lesion size using the Gartsman classification, pre and postoperative range of motion, presence or absence of the Popeye sign, pain in the bicipital groove and assessments using the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score and the elbow strength index. Results: The mean UCLA score of the sample went from 16.92 (range: 8 to 25) to 31.45 (range: 13 to 35) (p < 0.001). Comparison of the pre and postoperative UCLA scores in the two groups showed that the difference in the group with tenotomy and tenodesis was 15.95 and in the group with tenotomy alone, 14.62 (p = 0.023). However, there was no statistical significance in comparing the groups regarding pain in the bicipital groove, Popeye sign or elbow strength index. Conclusion: This study showed that the difference in UCLA scores was statistically significant. The group with tenotomy and tenodesis of the long head of the biceps presented better functional results.

Tenotomia com ou sem tenodese da cabeça longa do bíceps no reparo artroscópico do manguito rotador

OBJETIVO: Comparação dos resultados funcionais nos pacientes submetidos à tenotomia com ou sem tenodese da CLB associada ao reparo da lesão do manguito rotador por visão artroscópica, com seguimento superior a dois anos. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo não randomizado, com nível de evidência III, em que foram revisados os prontuários e realizada reavaliação clínica de 77 pacientes com lesão da cabeça longa do bíceps, sendo que 55 foram submetidos à tenotomia sem tenodese e 22 à tenotomia com a tenodese, com seguimento ambulatorial maior que dois anos. Foram avaliados idade, dominância, lado operado, tamanho das lesões classificadas por Gartsman, arco do movimento pré e pós-operatório, presença ou ausência do sinal do Popeye, dor na corredeira bicipital, avaliação segundo a escala University of California at Los Angeles e Elbow Strength Index. RESULTADOS: O UCLA médio total da amostra foi de 16,92 (8 a 25) para 31,45 (13 a 35) (p < 0,001). Comparando a variação do UCLA pré com o pós-operatório entre os dois grupos, nos pacientes submetidos à tenotomia com a tenodese esta variação foi de 15,95 e nos pacientes submetidos somente à tenotomia a variação foi de 14,62 (p = 0,023). No entanto, não houve significância estatística na comparação entre os grupos quanto à dor na corredeira bicipital, sinal do Popeye e Elbow Strength Index. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo apresentou diferença estatística na variação do UCLA. O grupo em que foi realizada a tenotomia com a tenodese da CLB apresentou melhores resultados funcionais.

Douleur aiguë du coude révélant une rupture du tendon distal du biceps

Distal biceps tendon rupture is a relatively rare injury usually observed in men aged between 30 and 60 years, during physical activity or sports, after an unexpected extension force applied with a supination to the elbow of the dominant arm. The patient presents with acute pain of the elbow, associated to muscular weakness with signs of retraction (Popeye sign). The hook test and the squeeze test can be performed. However, in case of partial tendon rupture or integrity of the lacertus fibrosis, the signs can be absent. Diagnosis is confirmed by MRI or ultrasound examination. Surgical therapy (consisting the fixation of the tendon on the radial tuberosity) is the gold standard, with post-operative immobilization and physical rehabilitation exercises. The prognosis is usually good if the treatment is initiated in the first three weeks.

Complete Rupture of Biceps Tendons After Corticosteroid Injection in Psoriatic Arthritis "Popeye Sign"

Complete Rupture of Biceps Tendons After Corticosteroid Injection in Psoriatic Arthritis "Popeye Sign"

Biceps tenotomy versus tenodesis: a review of clinical outcomes and biomechanical results

There are significant differences in incidence of cosmetic deformity and load to tendon failure between biceps tenotomy versus tenodesis for the treatment of long head of the biceps brachii (LHB) tendon lesions which are supported by the evidence-based strengths and weaknesses of each procedure in the literature. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for eligible clinical and biomechanical articles relating to biceps tenotomy or tenodesis from 1966 to 2010. Keywords were biceps tenotomy, biceps tenodesis, long head of the biceps brachii, and Popeye sign. All relevant studies were included based on study objectives, and excluded studies consisted of abstracts, case reports, letters to the editor, and articles without outcome measures. All articles reviewed were of level IV evidence. Combined results from reviewed papers on the differences between LHB tenotomy vs tenodesis demonstrated a higher incidence of cosmetic deformity in patients treated with biceps tenotomy. Complications were similar for each treatment, with a higher likelihood of bicipital pain associated with tenodesis. Lack of high levels of evidence from prospective randomized trials limits our ability to recommend one technique over another. This review demonstrated a higher incidence of cosmetic deformity in patients treated with biceps tenotomy compared with tenodesis, with an associated lower load to tendon failure. However, there was no consensus in the literature regarding the use of tenotomy vs. tenodesis for LHB tendon lesions due to variable results and methodology of published studies. Individual patient factors and needs should guide surgeons on whether to use tenotomy or tenodesis. There is a great need for future studies with high levels of evidence, control, randomization, and power, with well-defined study variables, to compare biceps tenotomy and tenodesis for the treatment of LHB tendon lesions.

Comparison of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in healthy patients over and under 65 years of age

We compared the outcomes of arthroscopically repaired rotator cuff tears in 28 patients older than 65 years (the over 65 group: median age 70 years) with a control group of 28 patients younger than 65 years (the under 65 group: median age 57 years). The groups were similar in regard to sex distribution, surgical technique, and post-operative rehabilitation programmes, but different in age. After careful arthroscopic evaluation of the full-thickness rotator cuff tear, rotator cuff repair and biceps tenotomy were performed in all patients. Pre- and post-operatively, each patient was evaluated for range of motion, shoulder score (UCLA), and SF-36 self-administered questionnaire. Comparing pre- versus post-operative status at a minimum 24 months follow-up, forward elevation, internal and external rotation, modified UCLA rating system scores, and SF-36 scores improved significantly in both groups, with no significant difference between the groups. At the last follow-up, strength improved significantly in both groups, with non-significant intergroup difference. The Popeye sign was detected in 13/28 (46%) of the patients in the over 65 group and in 11/28 (39%) in the under 65 group (χ = 0.29) with non-significant difference between the two groups. In selected active patients older than 65, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair associated with biceps tenotomy (when necessary) can yield clinical and related quality of life outcomes similar to those of patients younger than 65 years.

Arthroscopic Transfer of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon: Functional Outcome and Clinical Results

We sought to evaluate clinical and functional outcome in a cohort of patients who underwent transfer of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). Patients who were diagnosed with biceps pathology or instability underwent an arthroscopic assisted or all arthroscopic transfer LHBT as either an isolated procedure or part of another shoulder procedure by the senior author. The procedure was performed using a new arthroscopic subdeltoid technique. Forty shoulders in 39 patients were examined at a minimum of 2 years. Patients underwent complete shoulder evaluation and clinical outcomes were scored based on American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and L'Insalata questionnaires. Ipsilateral and contralateral metrics were also evaluated. Forty shoulders (13 female, 26 male, 1 bilateral; average age, 38.5 years) were evaluated with L'Insalata, UCLA, and ASES questionnaires, scoring 75.57, 27.32, and 78.72, respectively. In the 25 patients who had an isolated LHBT transfer, the L'Insalata, UCLA, and ASES scores were 85.2, 29.5, and 84.8, respectively. Three patients had early traumatic failure related to noncompliance with postoperative rehabilitation protocol. This included the only 2 patients who had a Popeye sign at follow-up during active elbow flexion. There was not a statistically significant side-to-side strength difference using a 10-pound weight. Eighty percent of patients were self-rated as good to excellent, and 20% of patients were self-graded as fair or poor, which includes the 3 failures mentioned above. All of the patients reported no arm pain at rest with regard to the biceps. Ninety-five percent of patients reported no biceps tenderness upon palpation of the bicipital groove. Five patients complained of fatigue discomfort (soreness) isolated to the biceps muscle following resisted elbow flexion. Arthroscopic subdeltoid transfer of the LHBT is an appropriate and reliable intervention for active patients with chronic, refractory biceps pathology. There was no loss of strength for biceps curls. All patients reported no pain isolated to biceps muscle at rest. Ninety-five percent of patients had resolution of their preoperative biceps symptoms. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Avaliação dos resultados da tenodese artroscópica do bíceps, utilizando-se parafuso de interferência bioabsorvível

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados obtidos com a realização da tenodese da cabeça longa do bíceps (CLB) pela técnica artroscópica, com a utilização de parafuso de interferência bioabsorvível biotenodese Arthrex®. MÉTODOS: Entre março de 2004 e abril de 2005, 16 ombros de 16 pacientes foram submetidos a tenodese da CLB com essa técnica. O seguimento mínimo foi de 12 meses, com média de 19,5 meses. A idade variou de 32 a 69 anos, com média de 56,1 anos. Houve predomínio do sexo masculino em 75% dos casos. O membro dominante foi acometido em 62,5% dos pacientes. Foi encontrada lesão parcial da CLB em 75% dos pacientes e instabilidade em 25%. Houve associação com lesão do manguito rotador (LMR) em 93,75% dos casos. A avaliação clínica foi feita por meio dos critérios da University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). RESULTADOS: Observamos excelentes resultados em todos os casos. Não foi observado em nenhum caso sinal de retração do músculo bíceps (sinal do Popeye), caracterizando soltura da tenodese. CONCLUSÃO: A tenodese da CLB pela técnica artroscópica, com a utilização de parafuso de interferência bioabsorvível biotenodese Arthrex® mostrou-se uma técnica eficiente para o tratamento das alterações da CLB.