Biceps Tenotomy Versus Tenodesis

Clin Sports Med. 2016 Jan;35(1):93-111. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2015.08.008. Epub 2015 Sep 26.

Abstract

Long head biceps tendon is a common cause of anterior shoulder pain. Failure of conservative treatment may warrant surgical intervention. Surgical treatment involves long head biceps tenotomy or tenodesis. Several different techniques have been described for biceps tenodesis, including arthroscopic versus open and suprapectoral versus subpectoral. Most studies comparing tenodesis to tenotomy are limited by the level of evidence and confounding factors, such as concomitant rotator cuff tear. Many studies demonstrate similar outcomes for both procedures. Surgeon preference is likely more influential in choosing between tenotomy and tenodesis. Higher-powered studies are necessary to elucidate any differences in outcomes if present.

Keywords: Biceps surgical treatment; Biceps tenodesis; Biceps tenotomy; Outcomes; Tenodesis technique.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthroscopy
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Esthetics
  • Humans
  • Physical Examination
  • Shoulder / physiopathology
  • Shoulder / surgery
  • Shoulder Injuries*
  • Shoulder Pain / etiology
  • Shoulder Pain / surgery
  • Tendinopathy / physiopathology
  • Tendinopathy / rehabilitation
  • Tendinopathy / surgery*
  • Tendon Injuries / physiopathology
  • Tendon Injuries / rehabilitation
  • Tendon Injuries / surgery*
  • Tendons / physiopathology
  • Tendons / surgery*
  • Tenodesis* / adverse effects
  • Tenodesis* / methods
  • Tenotomy* / adverse effects
  • Tenotomy* / methods
  • Treatment Outcome