Short-Term Results of Subpectoral Tenodesis of the Proximal Biceps Tendon Using by Interference Screw

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to retrospectively analyze clinical results of subpectoral tenodesis of the proximal biceps tendon using an interference screw. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 23 cases of patients receiving tenodesis of the proximal biceps tendon between January 2008 and January 2009 for whom we had follow-up data for at least 1 year. Twenty-three cases were operated on using subpectoral tenodesis; 16 of these cases had a rotator cuff tear. The results were judged using a visual analog scale (VAS), ASES, tenderness on the biceps groove, fixation failure and the degree of deformity (BAD). RESULTS: VAS and ASES scores were significantly improved in all patients by the time of the final observation. There were no significant complications or fixation failures. The patients without a tear of the rotator cuff had a better result than patients with a tear of the rotator cuff, but the difference between the two groups was not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with pathology of the long head of the biceps brachii, benefits of subpectoral interference screw tenodesis include pain relief, maintenance of functional biceps, muscle strength, and cosmesis. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis using interference screw fixation appears to be a promising, reproducible, reliable technique for addressing anterior shoulder pain related to pathology of the long head of the biceps brachii.