Clinical and Sonographic Evaluation of Bicortical Button for Proximal Biceps Tenodesis

Use of a cortical button for proximal biceps tenodesis has demonstrated strength comparable to that of other types of fixation in biomechanical models, but few studies have evaluated the clinical outcome of such fixation. In the study reported here, 18 patients who underwent open subpectoral biceps tenodesis with a bicortical button were assessed, at minimum 12-month follow-up, with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, a pain scale, physical examination, biceps supination strength testing, and ultrasonographic evaluation (to determine tenodesis integrity and proximity of the button to the axillary nerve). No patient had symptoms of axillary nerve damage, clinical deformity, or tenodesis failure. Mean DASH score was 15.15 (scale range: 0, none to 100, extreme difficulty), and mean pain score was 12.6 (scale range: 0, none to 100, worst pain). Seventy-eight percent of patients had no bicipital groove tenderness, 89% had full elbow range of motion, and 94% had full shoulder range of motion. Mean forearm supination strength of the operated arm (125.04 lb) was significantly (P = .01) less than that of the nonoperated arm (134.39 lb). Mean (SD) distance from button to posterior circumflex humeral artery was 18.17 (9.0) mm. The study results suggest that subpectoral biceps tenodesis with a bicortical button is a safe, stable procedure that results in excellent functional outcomes.