All-arthroscopic suprapectoral versus open subpectoral tenodesis of the long head of the biceps brachii.

BACKGROUND: Pathologic changes of the long head of the biceps tendon are a recognized source of shoulder pain in adults that can be treated with tenotomy or tenodesis when nonoperative measures are not effective. It is not clear whether arthroscopic or open biceps tenodesis has a clinical advantage. HYPOTHESIS: Pain relief and shoulder function after all-arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis are similar to outcomes after an open subpectoral tenodesis. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A prospective database was reviewed for patients undergoing an all-arthroscopic suprapectoral or open subpectoral biceps tenodesis. Adult patients with a minimum 18-month follow-up were included. Patients undergoing a concomitant rotator cuff or labral repair were excluded. The groups were matched to age within 3 years, sex, and time to follow-up within 3 months. Pain improvement, development of a "Popeye" deformity, muscle cramping, postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, satisfaction scores, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-six patients (23 all-arthroscopic, 23 open) with an average age of 57.2 years (range, 45-70 years) were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 30.1 months (range, 21.1-44.9 months). No patients in either group developed a Popeye deformity or complained of arm cramping. There was no significant difference in mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores between the open and all-arthroscopic groups (92.3 vs 88.9; P=.42); similarly, there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction scores between the groups (8.9 vs 9.1; P=.73). Eighteen patients (78.3%) in the arthroscopic cohort and 16 (69.6%) in the open cohort fully returned to athletic activity (P=.50). Eight patients (34.8%) in the arthroscopic group and 10 (39.1%) in the open group reported pain at night or with heavy activities. There were no complications in the all-arthroscopic group. There were 2 complications in the open group that resolved by final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Biceps tenodesis remains a reliable treatment for pathologic abnormality of the long head of the biceps. Patients undergoing an all-arthroscopic suprapectoral tenodesis in the distal aspect or distal to the bicipital groove showed similar pain relief and clinical outcomes as compared with patients undergoing open subpectoral tenodesis. Open subpectoral biceps tenodesis may carry a higher complication risk secondary to a more invasive technique.

Rotator cuff tear and glenohumeral instability : a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The rotator cuff plays a significant role in the static and dynamic stability of the glenohumeral joint. Rotator cuff tears may occur after shoulder dislocations, whether in younger athletes or older patients with age-related tendon degeneration. Untreated tears may cause persistent pain, dysfunction, instability, and degenerative changes. A thorough understanding of when to look for rotator cuff tears after shoulder dislocations and how best to manage them may decrease patients' pain and improve function. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We systematically reviewed the available literature to better understand (1) when a rotator cuff tear should be suspected after a dislocation, (2) whether surgical or nonsurgical approaches result in better scores for pain and satisfaction in patients with rotator cuff tears resulting from shoulder dislocations, and (3) whether intraarticular lesions, rotator cuff tears, or both should be addressed when surgery is performed. METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE(®), CINAHL, and EMBASE for studies published from 1950 to 2012. We included studies reporting outcomes after treatment in patients with rotator cuff tears and shoulder dislocations. We excluded case reports, studies without any treatment, and studies about patients treated with arthroplasty. Five Level III and six Level IV studies were ultimately selected for review. RESULTS: Patients with persistent pain or dysfunction after a shoulder dislocation often had a concomitant rotator cuff tear. Surgical repair resulted in improved pain relief and patient satisfaction compared to nonoperative management. Repair of the rotator cuff, along with concomitant capsulolabral lesions, helped restore shoulder stability. While these findings are based on Level III and IV evidence, better long-term studies with larger cohorts are needed to strengthen evidence-based recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent pain and dysfunction after a shoulder dislocation should prompt evaluation of the rotator cuff, especially in contact or overhead athletes, patients older than 40 years, or those with nerve injury. Surgery should be considered in the appropriately active patient with a rotator cuff tear after dislocation. While the current literature suggests improved stability and function after surgical repair of the rotator cuff, higher-quality prospective studies are necessary to make definitive conclusions.