[Comparison of two different arthroscopic techniques for long head of biceps tendinitis]

To compare clinical efficacy of arthroscopic tenodesis and tenotomy in treating biceps long head tendinitis.

From January 2015 to January 2017, 40 patients with long head of the biceps tendinitis were randomly divided into tenotomy group (18 patients) and tenodesis group(22 patients). In tenotomy group, there were 6 males and 12 females with an average age of (62.2±6.1) yeas old, and the average course of disease was (8.5±2.2) months; while in tenodesis group, there were 8 males and 14 females with an average age of(60.5±6.3) years old, and the average course of disease was (8.1±2.3) months. Operative time and deformity of Popeye were compared between two groups, VAS score was used to evaluate degree of pain, and UCLA score was used to assess clinical effects before operation, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation.

Forty patients were followed up for 12 to 17 months with an average of(14.3±2.1) months. Eight patients occurred Popeye deformity in tenotomy group, and nobody in tenodesis group. There was significant difference between tenotomy group(40.55±7.51) min and tenodesis group(75.33±9.45) min. VAS score after operation at 3, 6 and 12 months were decreased than that of before operation, and VAS score in tenotomy group was lower than that of in tenodesis group at 3 months after operation(P<0.05); while there were no difference in VAS score between two groups at 6 and 12 months after operation(P>0.05). UCLA score at at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation in tenodesis group were increased than that of before operation, and UCLA score in tenotomy group was lower than that of in tenodesis group at 3 months after operation(P<0.05); while there were no difference in UCLA score between two groups at 6 and 12 months after operation(P>0.05). According to UCLA score, 5 got excellent results, 10 moderate and 3 poor in tenotomy group, while 8 got excellent results, 12 moderate and 2 poor in tenodesis group, but without difference between two groups(χ² =0.057, P=0.81).

Both of arthroscopic tenotomy and tenodesis in treating long head of the biceps tendinitis could receive good clinical effects, and early functional outcomes by arthroscopic tenotomy was better than that of tenodesis, but no difference in later period.