Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis: Inlay or onlay technique?

The long-term outcomes of arthroscopic tenodesis using the onlay (groove) and inlay (groove) techniques remain debated with respect to tendon healing and graft stability. The aim of our study was to identify the optimal tenodesis strategy by comparing the effects of arthroscopic inlay and onlay techniques on postoperative complication rates, patient satisfaction, and functional recovery.

Between 2015 and 2021, the treatment outcomes of 54 patients who underwent arthroscopic biceps tenodesis using either the inlay or onlay technique for the management of superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) lesions or biceps tendon de-generation were retrospectively evaluated. Patient demographics and clinical variables, including age, sex, side of involvement, follow-up duration, visual analog scale (VAS) score, Constant score, postoperative cramping, and complications, were recorded. Group 1 consisted of 28 patients who underwent inlay tenodesis, while Group 2 included 26 patients who underwent onlay tenodesis.

Postoperatively, VAS scores improved substantially in both groups, with no significant difference between Group 1 (0.21±0.45) and Group 2 (0.18±0.37) (p=0.789). Similarly, postoperative Constant scores were high in both groups, with Group 1 at 92.73±8.23 and Group 2 at 95.47±5.12; this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.145). The mean recovery time was significantly shorter in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Specifically, the mean recovery time was 12.3±4.8 weeks in Group 1 and 8.3±3.72 weeks in Group 2 (p=0.01). Cramping was reported in 21.42% of patients in Group 1 and 7.69% in Group 2; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.253). In Group 1, Popeye deformity developed in two patients (7.1%), whereas in Group 2 it de-veloped in one patient (3.8%).

The present study demonstrates that both inlay and onlay arthroscopic biceps tenodesis techniques are effective surgical options for managing biceps tendon degeneration and superior labrum anterior-to-posterior lesions. However, the findings suggest a potential advantage of the onlay technique, as it is associated with faster recovery and a lower risk of complications.