Does forearm position matter in subpectoral biceps tenodesis? A randomised controlled trial
Suleyman Semih Dedeoglu1, Bulent Karslioglu2, Yunus Imren2
1University of Health Sciences, Cemil Tascioglu City Hospital, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Darulaceze Street No. 25 Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey. ssemihdedeoglu@gmail.com.
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
|January 21, 2022
Summary
Fixating the long head of the biceps tendon (LHB) in the pronation-extension (PE) position during biceps tenodesis surgery leads to better functional scores and less pain in the early postoperative period compared to the neutral position.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- The optimal forearm position for biceps tenodesis remains debated.
- This study investigates the impact of pronation-extension (PE) versus neutral forearm positioning for long head of the biceps tendon (LHB) fixation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare functional outcomes and pain levels following LHB tenodesis in PE versus neutral forearm positions.
Main Methods:
- Fifty patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy had their LHB tenodesed in either PE (n=25) or neutral (n=25) position.
- Patients were assessed using VAS, ASES, and Constant scores at 3, 6, and 12 months post-op.
- Flexion and supination strength were measured and compared to the contralateral side.
Main Results:
- The PE group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in ASES and VAS scores at 3 and 6 months compared to the neutral group.
- No significant differences were observed in Constant scores at 3 and 6 months, or any scores at 12 months.
- No significant differences in flexion or supination strength were found between the groups or compared to the contralateral side.
Conclusions:
- The pronation-extension (PE) position for biceps tenodesis results in superior functional scores and reduced pain at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.
- A simple adjustment in forearm fixation position can significantly decrease early postoperative pain for patients undergoing LHB tenodesis.
