The effect of biceps procedure on the outcome of rotator cuff reconstruction

Purpose. Biceps long head pathology is often associated with rotator cuff tears. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of possible associated biceps procedure on the treatment outcome in rotator cuff repair. Methods. 148 consecutive shoulders operated for isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear were included. A biceps tenotomy or tenodesis was performed in cases of irritated/frayed and/or unstable biceps tendon. The patients were grouped into three groups according to the biceps procedure (no procedure, tenotomy, and tenodesis). The age-adjusted Constant score was used as an outcome measure. Results. 145 shoulders (98%) were available for final followup. Preoperatively, there was no statistically significant difference in Constant scores. At three months, there was a statistically significant positive change in Constant scores compared with preoperative status in the tenotomy group in women. At one year there was a statistically significant positive change in Constant scores in all groups in both genders. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at one year in either gender. Conclusion. Biceps procedure does not affect the final clinical treatment outcome after rotator cuff repair. Recovery from operative treatment may be faster in tenotomized female patients in cases of encountered biceps pathology.