Biceps Tenodesis for Type II SLAP Tears.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Shoulder Arthroscopy

Background:

• Superior glenoid labrum (SLAP) tears are a frequent cause of shoulder pain and disability, particularly in overhead athletes.
• Type II SLAP lesions represent the most clinically significant superior labral pathology, with controversial management strategies.
• Current literature lacks high-level studies to guide treatment decisions for SLAP tears.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of biceps tenodesis in managing Type II SLAP tears.
• To evaluate biceps tenodesis as a potential alternative to arthroscopic repair for isolated Type II SLAP lesions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on SLAP tear management.
• Analysis of clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction following biceps tenodesis versus arthroscopic repair.
• Examination of biomechanical principles related to the long head of the biceps tendon.

Main Results:

• Arthroscopic repair of Type II SLAP lesions shows reasonable patient satisfaction but often results in persistent pain and limited return to sport.
• Biceps tenodesis is proposed as a preferred procedure for isolated Type II SLAP lesions, potentially preserving the length-tension relationship of the biceps.

Conclusions:

• Persistent postoperative pain and low return to pre-injury sports levels are common after arthroscopic SLAP repair.
• Biceps tenodesis is emerging as a viable and potentially superior option for managing isolated Type II SLAP tears in certain patient populations.