Biceps tenodesis versus biceps tenotomy for biceps tendinitis without rotator cuff tears

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Shoulder Anatomy

Background:

• Long head of the biceps tendon (LHB) disorders are a common cause of shoulder pain.
• The precise function of the LHB remains incompletely understood.
• Biceps tenodesis procedures have significantly increased in the past decade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the anatomy and pathogenesis of LHB tendinopathy.
• To outline the indications for biceps tenodesis versus tenotomy.
• To compare functional outcomes of tenodesis and tenotomy for LHB disorders without rotator cuff tears.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current scientific publications.
• Analysis of studies focusing on LHB disorders without concomitant rotator cuff tears.
• Comparative assessment of surgical techniques and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests limited functional superiority of tenodesis over tenotomy, despite increased use.
• Concerns about cosmetic deformity and pain after tenotomy may drive tenodesis adoption.
• Further research is needed to clarify optimal surgical management for isolated LHB disorders.

Conclusions:

• Both biceps tenodesis and tenotomy are viable options for LHB disorders.
• The choice between tenodesis and tenotomy should consider patient-specific factors and evidence-based outcomes.
• More research is required to definitively establish the superiority of one procedure over the other in the absence of rotator cuff pathology.