Tenodesis Techniques Research Articles

Kaplan fibers of iliotibial band: a comprehensive review of current literature.

This review highlights the pivotal role of Kaplan fibers (KFs) in knee stability, particularly in the anterolateral aspect. Studies reveal their complex anatomy with varying attachments to the distal femur, demonstrating a significant impact on knee joint mechanics across different populations. Investigations into the biomechanics of KFs show their crucial role in maintaining rotational stability of the knee, especially during rotational movements. Their synergistic function with other knee structures, like the anterolateral ligament, is emphasized, underscoring their importance in knee integrity and function. MRI emerges as a key tool in detecting KFs, with varying visibility and prevalence of injuries. The review discusses the development of MRI criteria for accurate diagnosis, highlighting the need for further research to refine these criteria and understand the interplay between KF injuries, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures, and associated knee pathologies. The review covers various lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) techniques used to address residual laxity and instability following ACL reconstruction. Among them, the modified Lemaire technique, which resembles the anatomical and functional characteristics of distal KFs, shows effectiveness in reducing internal rotation and residual laxity. The review emphasizes the need for further research to understand the healing dynamics of KF injuries and the efficacy of different LET techniques. It suggests that a comprehensive approach, considering both biomechanical and clinical aspects, is crucial for advancing knee joint health and rehabilitation.

Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis: A Knotless, Onlay, All-Suture Anchor Technique

Anterior shoulder pain is a common complaint often caused by pathology of the long head of the biceps such as biceps tendinitis, partial biceps tears, biceps instability, and SLAP lesions. Surgical treatment of biceps pathology includes tenotomy versus tenodesis, with tenodesis being favored in young, active patients owing to less cramping pain and superior outcomes in terms of shoulder function and cosmesis. Various surgical techniques for tenodesis of the long head of the biceps exist, with varying indications. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis is primarily indicated for zone 2 to 3 tendon pathology and revision biceps tenodesis. Secondary indications include overhead athletes, chronic biceps tendinopathy, and rotator cuff repair. Proximal arthroscopic biceps tenodesis performed “high in the groove” has been shown to preserve biceps length and reduce Popeye deformity compared with tenotomy. Knotless techniques are becoming popular; they provide low-profile fixation that limits knot abrasion and is not reliant on knot security for fixation. We present a variation of suprapectoral biceps tenodesis using knotless fixation in an onlay technique.

Poster 131: Loop 'N' Tack Tenodesis: A Multi-Center Retrospective Case Series of Clinical and Patient Reported Outcomes of a Novel Suture Technique for Proximal Biceps Tenodesis

Objectives: Tenodesis and tenotomy of the long head of the biceps are treatment options for a wide range of pathologies without clear superior technique or site of fixation. Tenotomy may result in a cosmetic “Popeye” deformity and fatigue pain. The Loop ‘N’ Tack technique is a quick, simple, and knotless technique for tenodesis of the long head of the biceps that can be completed entirely arthroscopically. The tensionless repair allows the biceps to scar within the biceps groove, thereby reducing subsidence and formation of a “Popeye" deformity and fatigue pain in the biceps seen with tenotomy alone while eliminating the ability to overtension. The primary objective will be to retrospectively report the clinical outcomes and associated complications of patients undergoing biceps tenodesis utilizing the Loop ‘N’ Tack technique at multiple institutions from 1/1/2015 – 7/25/2021. Methods: CPT procedure codes (29827,29823, 29826) were used to identify participants in the EHR (i.e., Epic) who underwent the Loop ‘N’ Tack biceps tenodesis technique by each author at 9 separate institutions. Patient reported outcomes (PRO) including Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale (UCLA), and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) were recorded at multiple time points throughout the patient’s preoperative and postoperative course. Scores were compared to the established minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for each PRO to assess the viability of this tenodesis technique. Additional metrics including bicipital groove pain, Popeye deformity, and need for revision surgery were also recorded. Results: 1,473 patients were initially screened who underwent the Loop ‘N’ Tack biceps tenodesis technique. 82 patients were excluded secondary to limited follow up or lack of PRO data within the EHR. The average patient age was 64.7 years old with average follow up of 8.11 months. Mean preoperative PRO scores were 5.64 (2.13), 43.31 (20.38), 15.14 (3.52), 5.81 (1.92), and 49.24 (15.06) for the VAS, SANE, UCLA, SST, and ASES scores, respectively. Postoperative PRO scores at most recent follow up respectively measured 1.05 (1.66), 89.56 (17.06), 31.50 (4.01), 10.69 (1.92), and 89.48 (13.81). MCID was reached for each PRO at the 1-2 month mark postoperatively. 36 patients (2.6%) underwent revision surgery for biceps related pathology, while 40 patients (2.9%) required revision shoulder surgery for a separate pathology. Postoperative Popeye deformity was noted in 15 patients (1.08%). Conclusions: The Loop ‘N’ Tack technique results in high rates of patient satisfaction with improvement in shoulder related patient reported outcomes, low incidence of postoperative pain, and low rates of Popeye deformity. This case series establishes the Loop ‘N’ Tack technique as a viable tenodesis approach during shoulder arthroscopy for biceps related pathology.

All-Suture Anchor Techniques for Biceps Tenodesis Are Noninferior in End-Cycle Stiffness to an Interference Screw Technique; However, Secondary Outcomes, Such as Ultimate Failure Load, Yield Load, Creep, and Load-to-Failure Stiffness, Are Inferior in an Ovine Model

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the biomechanical performance of two simplified loop and tack biceps tenodesis techniques, all-suture anchor and all-suture anchor with a button, compared to the interference screw technique in an ovine model. MethodsTwenty-one biceps tenodesis procedures were executed on the humeri and flexor digitorum profundus tendons of skeletally mature, female sheep. Limbs were evenly randomized into two experimental groups (all-suture anchor with/without button) and one control group (interference screw). Cyclic loading followed by a load-to-failure test was conducted.The primary outcome metric was end-cycle stiffness, or stiffness measured at the end of cyclic loading, as it modeled the resistance of the construct to the lower-force activities of postoperative physical therapy. Secondary metrics included ultimate failure load (UFL), yield load, creep, and load-to-failure stiffness. End-cycle stiffness difference-of-means testing was conducted with a minimal clinically significant difference (MCID) threshold of -15N/mm (1.5kg/mm). Groups were compared using ANOVA for all recorded variables. ResultsBoth the all-suture anchor and all-suture anchor with button techniques were found to be noninferior in end-cycle stiffness compared to the interference screw technique (-5.2N/mm, 95% CI [-13.6, 3.3] and –3.8N/mm, 95% CI [-12.5, -4.9]) for -15N/mm MCID. The all-suture techniques showed significantly lower UFL, lower yield load, greater creep, and lower load-to-failure stiffness (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.002, P<0.001, respectively). Tendon dimensions did not vary significantly across groups. ConclusionsUnder subfailure loading conditions, the all-suture anchor with/without button techniques demonstrated end-cycle stiffness noninferiority with an interference screw technique, however, these techniques were inferior in all secondary outcomes, including significantly lower UFL, lower yield load, greater creep, and lower load-to-failure stiffness. Clinical RelevanceThe all-suture anchor with/without button approaches may retain the natural length-tension dynamics of the long head biceps tendon as fixation can occur before releasing the tendon origin. Additionally, it may offer a simpler and more cost-effective alternative to prevailing arthroscopic methods.

Surgical Techniques in Non-Traumatic Midcarpal Instability: Evaluating the Dorsal Capsulodesis and Three-Ligament Tenodesis Technique.

Surgical management of midcarpal instability (MCI), also referred to as carpal instability nondissociative, remains controversial due to limited evidence on different techniques. This study aimed to assess and compare differences in patient-reported pain, hand and wrist function, patient satisfaction, range of motion, and return to work in patients with non-traumatic MCI who underwent surgical treatment either through dorsal wrist capsulodesis or three-ligament tenodesis (3LT). Patients with MCI and persisting complaints after conservative therapy treated with 3LT or dorsal capsulodesis were included. Patients with posttraumatic instability were excluded. Primary endpoints included the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and Satisfaction with Treatment Result Questionnaire at 12 months postoperative. All data were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 91 patients treated with dorsal capsulodesis and 21 treated with 3LT between December 2011 and December 2019 were included. At twelve months postoperative, both treatment groups reported significant improvements in pain and function scores. However, at three months postoperative, the dorsal capsulodesis group exhibited significantly better outcomes, followed by a greater return to work (72%) compared to the 3LT group (50%). However, the capsulodesis group demonstrated a decreased range of motion at three months which was restored at 12 months postoperative. No significant difference in satisfaction with treatment was observed. Both 3LT and dorsal capsulodesis demonstrate promising results for addressing non-traumatic MCI. However, considering the quicker recovery and faster return to work associated with dorsal capsulodesis, we recommend favoring capsulodesis over 3LT when both surgical options are deemed suitable for the patient. III.

No clinical difference in outcomes between inlay and onlay arthroscopic biceps tenodesis techniques during rotator cuff repair

BackgroundBoth inlay and onlay arthroscopic biceps tenodesis (ABT) are common procedures performed during rotator cuff repair. The inlay method involves creating a bone socket in the bicipital groove to secure the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) using an interference screw. The onlay method utilizes a suture anchor to secure the LHBT on the surface of the bicipital groove. Little is known on the long-term differences in patient reported outcomes (PROs) between these two techniques. The primary purpose of this study was to compare PROs of inlay versus onlay ABT with a minimum follow-up of two years. Secondary aims were to evaluate the impact of rotator cuff tear size on outcomes and compare rates of complications between the two techniques. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who had an ABT during a full-thickness rotator cuff repair. Any symptom specific to the biceps were noted, including pain and cramping, Popeye deformity, or revision surgery. Complication rates were compared between groups. The VAS pain score, ASES, SANE, and VR-12 scores were compared at two years. The impact of rotator cuff tear size was analyzed by categorizing into small/medium or large/massive based on operative reports and arthroscopic images. ResultsThere were 165 patients identified (106 in the inlay group and 59 in the onlay group). No revision surgeries were performed secondary to the biceps tendon in either group. Eleven patients (10%) in the inlay group complained of biceps pain or cramping compared to 2 patients (3%) in the onlay group (p = .11). One Popeye deformity was noted in each group (p = .67). No significant differences were found between groups for VAS (p=.41), ASES functional (p = .61), ASES Index (p = .91), SANE (p = .09), VR-12 PCS (p = .77), or VR-12 MCS (p = .09). Rotator cuff tear size within the groups also did not demonstrate statistical significance. ConclusionNo clinical differences or complications were found at minimum two-year follow-up between inlay and onlay arthroscopic biceps tenodesis in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair when controlling for tear size. The clinical relevance suggests either technique is effective and can be based on surgeon preference.

Posterolateral Intra-/Extra-articular Tenodesis Technique: A Technique for Lateral Tenodesis of the Knee

Posterolateral tenodesis is necessary for restoring biomechanics in posterolateral instability of the knee. We propose a technique that provides the tenodesis effect to both intra- and extra-articular aspects of the knee. We call it the posterolateral intra-/extra-articular tenodesis technique, which is a technique for posterolateral reconstruction. This minimally invasive technique is particularly helpful in patients with high-grade posterolateral corner injury with the advantage of precise placement of the graft.

Cost-Effective, Implant-Free, All-Suture Modified Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis Technique

Tendinopathy and partial tears of the long head of the biceps tendon are a common cause of anterior shoulder pain and are often associated with many other shoulder pathologies. Multiple open and arthroscopic tenodesis techniques exist in the literature, with varying locations along the proximal humerus and a multitude of different implants. This article describes a cost-effective, implant-free, subpectoral biceps tenodesis technique that can be used as open or in conjunction with arthroscopy. Our technique differs from other tunnel techniques in its modified docking configuration into the intraosseous canal, decreasing stresses at the bone-tendon interface. With the cost amounting to 5% to 10% of techniques using implants, this is a cost-saving and reliable option for tenodesis.

One-Step Release Technique for Tendon Extraction During Biceps Tenodesis

All biceps tenodesis techniques involving extra-articular tendon preparation consist of 2 distinct steps for tenotomy and tendon grasping. These 2 maneuvers are performed by different instruments. A single-step tendon release technique is described for both arthroscopic and open shoulder surgery. This technique finds application in arthroscopic proximal suprapectoral tenodesis, open treatment of proximal humerus fractures, and suprapectoral mini-open tenodesis. Herein, we describe an arthroscopic biceps tenodesis technique that combines the actions of cutting and gripping the tendon in a single step.

All-Arthroscopic Falciform Portal Biceps Tenodesis

Biceps tenodesis has been proven to be an effective treatment for biceps tendon and superior labral pathology. Many techniques including both open and arthroscopic approaches have been reported. Open techniques afford management of the entire proximal biceps tendon but are limited by wound healing issues, increased bleeding, and increased surgical time. Arthroscopic tenodesis offers benefits in terms of surgical efficiency, cosmesis, and bleeding risk. However, standard arthroscopic tenodesis only addresses intra-articular biceps pathology. In this report we describe an all-arthroscopic biceps tenodesis technique at the suprapectoral region of the humerus using knotless suture anchor fixation.

A study on Subscapularis augmented Bankart repair (SB) vs capsulo-labral Bankart repair (CB) for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation with moderate glenoid bone loss (< 20 %) in non-athletepopulation

Introduction- Subscapularis augmented Bankart repair (SB) is a novel arthroscopic technique of tenodesis of upper 1/3rd fibers of subscapularis tendon to capsulo-labral repair of Bankart lesion. Treatment of Bony Bankart lesion with glenoid bone loss % (GBL%) 10%–20 % is still a grey zone where bone augmentation procedures are an overtreatment and capsulo-labral repair is associated with high recurrence. MethodologyA retrospective study of 30 patients with h/o anterior instability with GBL%<20 % were classified into two groups. SB group included patients managed with arthroscopic subscapularis augmentation while CB group included patients managed with arthroscopic capsulo-labral repair. These patients were followed up after a minimum of 24 months post-surgery and functional outcomes evaluated using WOSI, ASES and ROWE scores. ResultsPatients in the SB group showed superior functional outcomes for WOSI and ROWE scores. Considering postoperative shoulder pain, the median ROWE-P (pain) score was better for SB group (10/10) when compared to CB group (5/10). Patients under SB group were more comfortable with physical symptoms of their shoulder (WOSI-P average 60/1000) and were more likely to continue their recreational sports activity (WOSI- sports for SB 63.7 and CB 119.5. In our study, none of the 15 SB patients had any restriction in range of shoulder movements [ROWE-M score of 10]. Subscapularis augmented Bankart repair is associated with minimal restriction of shoulder range, better pain relief, better acceptability and smoother return to daily living and occupation and can be considered as a routine for every patient with GBL<20 %.

“Double Row Rip-Stop” Arthroscopic Repair Technique for Acute, Retracted Rotator Cuff Tears

Acute, retracted rotator cuff tendon tears are important to recognize and can present unique technical challenges to repair. Various arthroscopic techniques and suture configurations have been proposed for repair of acute tears with aims to maximize the repair footprint and optimize tendon fixation. The double row rip-stop configuration was designed and has been used for rotator cuff repair due to its potential advantages related to suture pullout, footprint reapproximation and load sharing. The purpose of this article is to present the author’s arthroscopic technique for repair of acute, retracted rotator cuff tendon tears using a double-row, rip-stop suture configuration. The indications and authors’ preferred arthroscopic technique for biceps tenodesis are also discussed.

A Radiostereometric Analysis of Tendon Migration After Arthroscopic and Mini-Open Biceps Tenodesis: Interference Screw Versus Single Suture Anchor Fixation.

Studies suggest that similar clinical results are achieved via arthroscopic and open biceps tenodesis (BT) techniques. To quantify the postoperative migration of the BT construct between arthroscopic suprapectoral BT (ASPBT) and open subpectoral BT (OSPBT) techniques via interference screw (IS) or single-suture suture anchor (SSSA) fixation using radiostereometric analysis. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Distal migration of the biceps tendon after OSPBT with a polyetheretherketone IS, OSPBT with 1 SSSA, ASPBT with polyetheretherketone IS, and ASPBT with 2 SSSAs was measured prospectively. Patients with symptomatic biceps tendinopathy and preoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including Constant-Murley subjective, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, or Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Upper Extremity scores were included. A tantalum bead was sutured on the proximal end of the long head of the biceps tendon before fixation of tendon tissue. Anteroposterior radiographs were performed immediately postoperatively, at 1 week, and at 3 months. Bead migration was measured, and preoperative PROMs were compared with those at latest follow-up. Of 115 patients, 94 (82%) were available for final follow-up. IS fixation yielded the least tendon migration with no difference between the open and arthroscopic approaches (4.31 vs 5.04 mm; P = .70). Fixation with 1 suture anchor demonstrated significantly greater migration than that achieved with an IS at both 1 week (6.47 vs 0.1 mm, 6.47 vs 1.75 mm, P < .001;) and 3 months (14.76 vs 4.31 mm, 14.76 vs 5.04 mm, P < .001) postoperatively. Two-suture anchor fixation yielded significantly greater migration than IS fixation at 1 week (7.02 vs 0.1 mm, P < .001; 7.02 vs 1.75 mm, P = .003) but not 3 months postoperatively (8.06 vs 4.31 mm, P = .10; 8.06 vs 5.04 mm, P = .07). Four patients with suture anchor fixation (3 patients in the OSPBT 1 SSSA group, 9.4%, and 1 patient in the ASPBT 2 SSSAs group, 3.8%) developed a Popeye deformity, whereas no Popeye deformities occurred in the IS groups. Mean 3-month bead migration in patients with and without a Popeye deformity was 60.8 and 11.2 mm, respectively (P < .0001). PROMs did not differ among groups at final follow-up. Interference screw fixation yielded the least tendon migration whether achieved arthroscopically or open. The available data indicated that fixation with 1 SSSA but not 2 SSSAs resulted in significantly greater migration than that achieved with an IS. Despite variations in tendon migration, PROMs were similar among all groups. When SSSAs are used, tendon migration may be minimized by using ≥2 anchors.

Novel all-arthroscopic biceps tenodesis technique incorporated into rotator cuff repair—two hundred cases with minimum 2-year follow-up

Biceps tendon pathology is a common source of pain in the shoulder. It is frequently seen in conjunction with symptomatic rotator cuff tears. Biceps tendon management during arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs can be achieved via tenodesis with various techniques or tenotomy. Tenodesis of the biceps generally results in less deformity and reduced exertion-related cramping. However, most techniques require the addition of some type of hardware to provide fixation for the biceps tendon, which adds cost, time, and complexity. This study presents a technique for an all-arthroscopic bicep tenodesis performed in conjunction with a double-row rotator cuff repair, requiring no additional hardware. This study is a retrospective review of data that were prospectively collected for 200 consecutive patients for whom the procedure was performed. Patients were seen postoperatively at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 4 months, and 6 months and in addition massive rotator cuff repairs were seen at 8 months. Additionally all patients were contacted at a minimum 2-year follow-up to access for the presence deformity, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and SANE score. Descriptive statistics and comparisons to known minimal clinical important differences (MCIDs) for the patient recorded outcome measures were recorded. Two hundred patients were included in the study and 152 responded to the telephone interviews. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 65.3 year old (standard deviation ± 9.1, range of 46-84), and the mean postoperative phone interview was 3.2 years postsurgery (standard deviation of ± 1.0, range of 2-5 years). The average ASES score improved from 52.6 to 94.6, which is 3 times greater than the minimal clinical important difference. The average postoperative SANE score was 94. Seven procedures out of the 200 were labeled as failures due to 1 patient's nonsatisfaction with the procedure and 3 for a Popeye deformity and 3 that had a revision RCR. The described method of an arthroscopic biceps tenodesis performed with a rotator cuff repair uses no extra hardware, requires minimal additional operative time, and is clinically effective. At a minimum 2-year follow-up, the all-arthroscopic biceps tenodesis in conjunction with a double-row rotator cuff repair resulted in a marked improvement in their ASES score with a 3.5% failure rate. The all-arthroscopic bicep tenodesis performed in conjunction with a double-row rotator cuff repair demonstrated improved clinical outcome, without requiring any additional hardware to tenodese the biceps, at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis Using Standard Portals

The long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon is a common cause of shoulder pain. Biceps tenodesis is commonly used to address biceps and superior labrum pathology, reducing pain and restoring function. There are numerous techniques for biceps tenodesis, and it is unclear as to which single technique and approach provides significantly superior outcomes. In this technical note, we present an arthroscopic suprapectoral approach with release of the LHB from the bicipital groove and subsequent fixation with suture anchor. This technique simplifies the technique to be performed from standard arthroscopic portals and aims to maximize outcomes and minimize common complications associated with biceps tenodesis.

Republication of "Peroneus Brevis Tenodesis: Side-to-Side or Weave?"

Inversion ankle injuries are extremely common, sometimes causing injury to the peroneus brevis tendon. If more than 50% of the tendon is injured, it oftentimes requires tenodesis to the adjacent peroneus longus tendon. Both Pulvertaft (PT) and side-to-side (SS) techniques have been used for joining the 2 tendons. The purpose of this study was to compare the strength and stiffness of these 2 techniques. Five matched pairs of cadaver ankle specimens were randomized to receive either an SS or PT tenodesis of the peroneus brevis to longus tendons. Following the tenodesis, the specimens were tested for failure load, displacement, energy absorbed at failure, and peak load. Stiffness was also calculated. Paired t tests were performed to detect differences between the 2 conditions. There were no statistically significant differences between the SS and PT tenodesis for any of the metrics measured. For stiffness, the techniques were very similar (SS = 10.14 [4.35], PT = 12.85 [1.72]). There is no difference in failure load, displacement, energy absorbed at failure, peak load or stiffness between the PT and SS techniques for peroneal tenodesis. Level V, cadaver study.

Poster 134: Biomechanical Analysis of Meniscotibial Ligament Tenodesis to Treat Meniscal Extrusion in the Setting of Posterior Medial Meniscal Root Repair

Poster 134: Biomechanical Analysis of Meniscotibial Ligament Tenodesis to Treat Meniscal Extrusion in the Setting of Posterior Medial Meniscal Root Repair

Outcomes of Biceps Tenodesis Variations With Concomitant Rotator Cuff Repair: A Multicenter Database Analysis.

Studies to date comparing biceps tenodesis methods in the setting of concomitant rotator cuff repair (RCR) have demonstrated relatively equivalent pain and functional outcomes. To compare biceps tenodesis constructs, locations, and techniques in patients who underwent RCR using a large multicenter database. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. A global outcome database was queried for patients with medium- and large-sized tears who underwent biceps tenodesis with RCR between 2015 and 2021. Patients ≥18 years of age with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, visual analog scale for pain, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) scores were compared at 1 and 2 years of follow-up based on construct (anchor, screw, or suture), location (subpectoral, suprapectoral, or top of groove), and technique (inlay or onlay). Nonparametric hypothesis testing was used to compare continuous outcomes at each time point. The proportion of patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) at the 1- and 2-year follow-ups were compared between groups using chi-square tests. A total of 1903 unique shoulder entries were analyzed. Improvement in VR-12 Mental score favored anchor and suture fixations at 1 year of follow-up (P = .042) and the onlay tenodesis technique at 2 years of follow-up (P = .029). No additional tenodesis comparisons demonstrated statistical significance. The proportion of patients with improvement exceeding the MCID did not differ based on tenodesis methods for any outcome score assessed at the 1- or 2-year follow-up. Biceps tenodesis with concomitant RCR led to improved outcomes regardless of tenodesis fixation construct, location, or technique. A clear optimal tenodesis method with RCR remains to be determined. Surgeon preference and experience with various tenodesis methods as well as patient clinical presentation should continue to guide surgical decision-making.

Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis with endobutton fixation in the young population - which technique works best?

Injuries of the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon are a prevalent source of anterior shoulder pain and are commonly treated with tenodesis. Not only a stable fixation of the LHB but also anatomical restoration of the length-tension relationship plays a central role to provide satisfying functional and cosmetic outcomes, especially in young patients. Here we report the clinical outcomes of two different subpectoral tenodesis techniques using unicortical button fixation. Patients under the age of 50 that were treated between April 2015 and January 2020 with one of the following two subpectoral tenodesis techniques were retrospectively selected and enrolled for a follow-up examination at least 2 years after surgery: Subpectoral in situ tenodesis followed by resection of the intraarticular portion leaving a residual tendon stump in the bicipital groove (group I) vs. tenotomy first followed by resection of the stump and subpectoral tenodesis (group II). Patients that underwent concomitant rotator cuff repair, subsequent shoulder surgery or contralateral biceps surgery were excluded. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the LHB Score, Constant-Murley Score (CMS) and measurements of isometric elbow flexion and forearm supination strength. Sonographic evaluation included assessment of the integrity of the LHB and tenodesis, signs of inflammation within the sulcus or around the tendon and measurements of the distalization of the myotendinous junction (MTJ) of the LHB compared to the non-operated side. Thirty-four patients in group I (24 males, mean age at the time of surgery 40.3 years, mean follow-up 57.2 months) and 24 patients in group II (19 males, mean age 39.8 years, mean follow-up 51.9 months) were evaluated. Total CMS as well as the respective subcategories did not reveal significant differences between groups. Overall LHB score was on average 10 points higher in group I (mean 94 points) compared with group II (mean 84 points) (p=0.016). In the LHB score subcategories, group I showed significantly better results regarding patient-dependent cosmesis (group I mean: 15 points; group II mean: 12 points; p=0.005) and examiner-dependent cosmesis (group I mean: 14 points; group II mean: 10 points; p=0.001). This was substantiated by a significantly higher distalization of the MTJ in group II (group I mean: 3.0 cm; group II mean: 3.8 cm; p=0.030). This study shows that subpectoral in situ tenodesis of the LHB followed by arthroscopic resection of the intraarticular portion provides higher LHB scores and better cosmetic outcome compared with proximal intraarticular tenotomy followed by subpectoral tenodesis.

Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis Using an All-Suture Knotless Anchor

The long head of the biceps tendon is a common pain generator in the anterior shoulder and is concomitantly seen with other shoulder pathology including subacromial impingement, as well as rotator cuff and labral tears. This Technical Note describes a mini-open onlay biceps tenodesis technique using all-suture knotless anchor fixation. This technique is easily reproducible, is efficient, and offers the unique benefits of providing a consistent length-tension relation and mitigating the risk of peri-implant reaction and fracture without sacrificing strength of fixation.