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Failure Rates and Patient-Reported Outcomes Are Similar Across 5 Arthroscopic, Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis
Senah E Stephens1, Samantha M Strohm1, Rachael M Shaughnessy1
1Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University Norfolk Virginia U.S.A.
Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation
|July 25, 2026
Summary
This study found no significant differences in failure rates or patient-reported outcomes among five arthroscopic biceps tenodesis fixation techniques. Approximately 5% of patients reported a "Popeye" deformity after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Shoulder surgery
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis is a common procedure for shoulder pathologies.
- Various fixation techniques exist, but comparative data on failure rates and patient outcomes are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinical failure rates and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) across five distinct arthroscopic, suprapectoral biceps tenodesis fixation techniques.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 351 patients undergoing arthroscopic, suprapectoral biceps tenodesis between 2014 and 2024.
- Included PROMs: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) survey, Simple Shoulder Test (SST).
- Clinical failures and "Popeye" deformity were recorded; statistical analysis performed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in clinical failure rates (2.28%) were observed among the five fixation techniques (tenodesis screw, tenodesis anchor, expanding tenodesis anchor, single all-suture anchor, soft tissue tenodesis).
- Patient-reported outcomes (pain VAS, ASES, SST scores) were comparable across all techniques.
- The overall rate of perceived "Popeye" deformity was 4.84%.
Conclusions:
- The choice of fixation technique for arthroscopic, suprapectoral biceps tenodesis does not significantly impact clinical failure rates or patient-reported outcomes.
- A small percentage of patients may experience a "Popeye" deformity, particularly with longer follow-up periods.