Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis: Indications and technique

Biceps tendon pathology commonly occurs in combination with other shoulder disorders, such as subacromial impingement and rotator cuff tears. Although the arthroscopic treatment of impingement and rotator cuff tears has previously been reported, arthroscopic biceps tenodesis has rarely been described. In this article, we present our technique of arthroscopic biceps tenodesis, which uses a uniquely designed Bio-Tenodesis screw system. This system allows intra-articular manipulation of the biceps tendon, ensures placement of the tendon into the base of the bone socket, allows insertion of the screw while maintaining the position and tension in the tendon, and ensures an adequate screw-tendon-bone interface.     

Biceps tenodesis with interference screw: cyclic testing of different techniques

Different surgical techniques exist for biceps tenodesis. The most secure fixation technique is with interference screws. The purpose of the study was to compare the biomechanical performance of three different interference screw biceps tenodesis fixation methods, which involve different tunnel preparation methods. Using a sheep shoulder model and metal interference screws, a bone wedge technique was compared to serial tunnel dilation and a control group. After a preload, all repairs were cyclically loaded (20–60 N) for 100 cycles followed by destructive testing. Biceps tenodesis using an interference screw—bone wedge technique showed statistically lower cyclic displacement (8.1 ± 6.4 mm) than serial dilatation with an interference screw (21.3 ± 8.4 mm) or interference screw fixation alone (18.3 ± 8.3 mm) (P = 0.02). There were no statistically significant differences in ultimate failure strength for any of the interference screw biceps tenodesis techniques tested. The tunnel preparation method chosen for interference screw fixed biceps tenodesis can have a positive effect on tenodesis performance. Using the bone wedge technique may allow a more rapid rehabilitation program applicable for the traumatic biceps tendon rupture seen in young, athletic patients with high demands.     

Single incision technique using an interference screw for the repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures

Various techniques throughout the years have been published on surgical repair of the distal biceps tendon foracute ruptures or for recalcitrant biceps tendinosis. The first report of a single incision technique to repair this tendon was in 1897 by S. Johnson in the New York Medical Journal. Since that time many different approaches and techniques have been developed. Interference screw fixation has been a reliable and well-tested method of tendon/ligament to bone attachment. There is a large body of literature concerning the various aspects of interference fit in the anterior cruciate ligament and proximal biceps tendon literature. Anatomic measurements, osteological analysis, and radiographic examination have provided information for the design of an interference screw that can be safely used in the proximal radius. We describe a technique using an interference screw through a single incision. We present two techniques for open tenodesis of the long head of the biceps.     

Suture anchor and percutaneous intra-articular transtendon biceps tenodesis

Several arthroscopic biceps tenodesis techniques have been described for surgical management of tendonitis and/or partial thickness tears of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon resulting in recalcitrant anterior shoulder pain. This chapter describes an arthroscopic tenodesis using percutaneous intra-articular transtendon technique with suture anchor fixation. The percutaneous technique allows excellent access to the biceps tendon, and the addition of a suture anchor provides superior fixation to isolated soft tissue fixation.     

Time-dependent changes in failure loads of 3 biceps tenodesis techniques: in vivo study in a sheep model

BACKGROUND: Failure load of the tendon-fixation material-bone unit has a crucial importance for the rehabilitation protocol after tenodesis procedures. PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the time-dependent changes in fixation strengths of 3 proximal biceps tenodesis techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Two intraosseous techniques (suture sling and tenodesis screw) and 1 extraosseous technique (2 suture anchors) were investigated. Biceps tenodesis was performed on 45 shoulders of 26 sheep, 15 shoulders for each technique. Twelve similar cadaveric sheep shoulders (4 for each technique) provided the day 0 results. Sheep were sacrificed at 3, 6, and 9 weeks, and specimens were tested for the failure load of the tenodeses. RESULTS: All 3 tenodesis techniques were found to have similar failure loads at all time intervals tested. All 3 curves remained below the failure load of the intact tendon (862 +/- 96 N) and above their day 0 results for the study period; similarly, at each time interval, results tended to be better compared to the previous test. The tenodesis screw group exhibited significantly higher failure loads at week 3 (419 +/- 53 N) compared to day 0 values (164 +/- 45 N) (P = .009). The same level of significance was observed at week 6 in the remaining 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Tenodesis of the biceps tendon on the proximal humerus at an extra-articular site does not weaken after surgery. The tenodesis screw group had a significantly higher increase in the fixation strength within the first 3 weeks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: No significant differences could be found between the failure loads of all 3 investigated tenodeses for the first 9 weeks.     

Subpectoral biceps tenodesis

The long head of the biceps brachii (LHB) tendon has long been recognized as a source of shoulder pain. Surgeons have debated the merits of tenotomy versus tenodesis, open versus arthroscopic approaches, and various fixation methods. This article reviews the clinical findings associated with LHB pathology, describes the operative technique of subpectoral biceps tenodesis, and reviews the current literature related to treatment of the symptomatic LHB tendon. The miniopen subpectoral approach is technically less demanding than purely arthroscopic techniques, and offers the potential for improved pain relief without cosmetic deformity by removing most of the LHB and its associated tenosynovium. As the literature on the topic continues to grow, subpectoral biceps tenodesis has emerged as an effective treatment for pathology of the LHB.     

Combined Button and Screw Technique for Distal Biceps Ruptures

Distal biceps tendon ruptures occur almost exclusively in middle aged men, and with the “baby boomer” population reaching that age group, publications discussing this injury increased 130% from 1995-2010. As nonoperative treatment of distal biceps rupture leads to 40% reduction in elbow supination strength, 79% decrease in supination endurance, 30% loss in flexion strength, and 30% decrease in flexion endurance, operative repair is favored for most patients. The most popular and biomechanically sound method of fixation is a combined cortical button or tension-slide technique with tenodesis screw fixation at the native footprint on the bicipital tuberosity. Several studies show this method has a lower incidence of early failure, rerupture, and stronger biomechanical properties in cadaveric studies. The preferred surgical method is detailed with appropriate dissection, preparation of the distal biceps tendon, preparation of the bicipital tuberosity, and tendon fixation and early mobilization with postoperative rehabilitation to ensure proper healing and return to activity.     

Operative treatment of chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures

Chronic biceps tendon ruptures typically involve tendon retraction, scarring, and even compromised tissue. Indirect repair, such as tenodesis to the brachialis, does not provide optimal functional recovery. Chronic biceps tendon ruptures can be reconstructed with autogenous grafts (semitendinosis, tensor fascia lata) or allografts (typically Achilles tendon). The complications associated with these grafts include harvest site morbidity and graft incorporation. Using a vascularized local soft tissue source could minimize complications of graft reconstructions. The authors provide a novel reconstructive technique, reconstruction using the lacertus fibrosis, as a local graft source for chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures.     

Proximal biceps tendon: injuries and management

The long head of the biceps tendon is a known pain generator of the shoulder. There are numerous pathologic entities that may affect this tendon, including tendonitis, partial tearing, and subluxation. These conditions are often associated with rotator cuff tears, especially those involving the subscapularis. Operative interventions include tenotomy and tenodesis. Tenodesis can be preformed in a proximal or distal location. Subpectoral tenodesis may have a lower recurrence rate than proximal-based techniques.     

The proximal biceps tendon: tricks and pearls

The diagnosis and treatment of proximal biceps tendon injuries continue to be a challenge. The difficulty lies on determining if there is isolated biceps pathology versus concomitant rotator cuff tears or instability. Imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging, continue to provide us with the extra tool to help us confirm our suspicion of additional pathology. Symptomatic biceps tendon tears can undergo debridement, tenotomy, or tenodesis if nonoperative measures fail to provide relief. Reports from performing a biceps tenotomy often give similar functional outcomes compared with tenodesis. Cosmetic deformity on the lateral arm may be noted with tenodesis and initial fatigue. Tenodesis may subject the patient to a longer rehabilitation process and increased pain. The decision of which one should be performed lies between the physician and the patient's expectations.     

Interference screw with Cortical button for distal biceps repair

The management of distal biceps tendon ruptures has been the source of considerable research over the last decade. Many of the techniques used to secure tendon to bone have been applied to the distal biceps tendon. These include suture anchors, Cortical button, and more recently interference screw fixation. The current account describes a technique that repairs the distal biceps with combined interference screw and Cortical button fixation through a single incision, which permits immediate active postoperative motion for early return to activity and a decrease in postoperative stiffness or heterotopic ossification. The presented technique offers the surgeon many new options in treatment of these injuries and emphasizes biologic, anatomic, and biomechanical principles of tendon healing.     

The proximal biceps as a pain generator and results of tenotomy

Many palliative interventions have been proposed for patients in whom rotator cuff repair is not feasible as a result of advanced fatty infiltration, definitive loss of tendons, and proximal humeral migration. The long head of the biceps tendon has been proposed as a source of pain in patients with rotator cuff tears. This article presents a review of current concepts on the rationale for arthroscopic biceps tenotomy or tenodesis, and evaluates the objective, subjective, and radiographic results of these palliative procedures. On the basis of different studies, it seems that isolated arthroscopic biceps tenotomy or tenodesis is a valuable option for the treatment of rotator cuff tears in selected patients. Although it does not improve shoulder strength, tenotomy or tenodesis reduces pain and improves the functional range of motion with a high degree of patient satisfaction. However, the progressive radiographic changes that occur with long standing rotator cuff tears are not altered.     

Posterolateral instability of theknee: treatment using the clancy biceps femoris tenodesis

Posterolateral instability of the knee is perhaps the most challenging injury facing the sports medicine physiciantoday. Diagnosis requires a thorough understanding of the complex anatomy, function, and biomechanics of the posterolateral structures. In isolated cases of posterolateral instability, the physical findings may be subtle and easily overlooked. Similarly, in complex injuries involving the posterolateral structures, the physical findings may be confusing and misdiagnosed as an isolated cruciate ligament injury. Failure to appropriately diagnose and treat a posterolateral injury can lead to significant functional disability and failure of associated ligamentous reconstruction. Optimal results may be achieved if the injury is diagnosed acutely and surgical treatment is carried out promptly with stabilization of the posterolateral structures and any associated ligamentous insufficiencies. The clinical and biomechanical results of the Clancy biceps tenodesis have proven the procedure successful for controlling varus and external rotational laxity. Rerouting of the biceps femoris tendon with tenodesis to the lateral femoral epicondyle creates a new fibular collateral ligament and tightens the posterolateral capsule and arcuate complex. In addition, tenodesis eliminates the dynamic external rotation of the tibia by the biceps femoris muscle, which actively exacerbates posterolateral subluxation. When performed properly, the biceps tenodesis can eliminate posterolateral instability and restore functional stability to the knee.     

Distal biceps tendon repair: a biomechanical comparison of intact tendon and 2 repair techniques

BACKGROUND: A variety of techniques have been described for distal biceps tendon reattachment-bone tunnel with transosseous sutures, suture anchors, and interference screw techniques. HYPOTHESIS: There will be no significant difference between the mean failure strength, maximum strength, and stiffness of the intact specimen and repair techniques tested: bone tunnel with transosseous sutures and interference screw. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Nine matched pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric elbows were prepared. The intact tendon was pulled from the radial tuberosity; the right and left elbows were randomized to bone tunnels with transosseous sutures or interference screw repair techniques. The repaired specimens were pulled using the same regimen for the intact tendon. Failure strength, maximum strength, and stiffness were measured and compared. RESULTS: The mean failure strength, maximum strength, and stiffness of intact tendons were 204.3 +/- 76.9 N, 221.7 +/- 65.9 N, and 30.1 +/- 12.4 N/mm, respectively; for the interference screw specimens, 178.0 +/- 54.5 N, 192.1 +/- 53.1 N, and 30.4 +/- 9.5 N/mm, respectively; and for the bone tunnel specimens, 124.9 +/- 22.8 N, 206.6 +/- 49.8 N, and 15.9 +/- 5.6 N/mm, respectively. There were no significant differences between measures in the intact and interference screw specimens. Mean failure strength and stiffness of the bone tunnel specimens were significantly lower than those of the intact and interference screw specimens; there was no significant difference between the maximum strengths of the treatments. Interference screw failure occurred abruptly with little plastic deformation in nearly all specimens with the tendon and screw pulling out as a unit, often involving fracture of the radial wall. Two of the bone tunnels failed at the bony bridge; the remainder lost bone-tendon contact as the distal tendon was shredded by the suture. CONCLUSION: The results suggest interference screw fixation repair is nearly as strong and stiff as the intact tendon and stronger than the bone tunnel repair technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The interference screw provides better stiffness and failure strength compared with the bone tunnel technique for distal biceps tendon repair. Given the superior mechanical properties, the interference screw technique is recommended as the treatment of choice for biceps tendon rupture repair.     

SLAP lesions: a treatment algorithm

Tears of the superior labrum involving the biceps anchor are a common entity, especially in athletes, and may highly impair shoulder function. If conservative treatment fails, successful arthroscopic repair of symptomatic SLAP lesions has been described in the literature particularly for young athletes. However, the results in throwing athletes are less successful with a significant amount of patients who will not regain their pre-injury level of performance. The clinical results of SLAP repairs in middle-aged and older patients are mixed, with worse results and higher revision rates as compared to younger patients. In this population, tenotomy or tenodesis of the biceps tendon is a viable alternative to SLAP repairs in order to improve clinical outcomes. The present article introduces a treatment algorithm for SLAP lesions based upon the recent literature as well as the authors’ clinical experience. The type of lesion, age of patient, concomitant lesions, and functional requirements, as well as sport activity level of the patient, need to be considered. Moreover, normal variations and degenerative changes in the SLAP complex have to be distinguished from “true” SLAP lesions in order to improve results and avoid overtreatment. The suggestion for a treatment algorithm includes: type I: conservative treatment or arthroscopic debridement, type II: SLAP repair or biceps tenotomy/tenodesis, type III: resection of the instable bucket-handle tear, type IV: SLAP repair (biceps tenotomy/tenodesis if >50 % of biceps tendon is affected), type V: Bankart repair and SLAP repair, type VI: resection of the flap and SLAP repair, and type VII: refixation of the anterosuperior labrum and SLAP repair.     

Biceps tendinitis and subluxation

Since the 17th century, the long head of the biceps tendon as a source of shoulder pain and its functional significance has been a source of debate. Although the term tendinitis is commonly used, overuse tendon injuries infrequently demonstrate inflammatory cells; instead, degenerative changes resulting from the failure of self-repair usually are found. Bicipital tendinitis or bicipital tenosynovitis is most often secondary to impingement beneath the coracoacromical arch. Primary bicipital tendinitis and tendinitis secondary to instability are possible, however. Through a careful history, physical examination, and appropriate imaging studies, the clinician can establish the diagnosis of disorders of the biceps tendon Arthroscopic evaluation greatly improves the diagnosis and treatment of biceps tendon and related shoulder pathology. Although the exact functional role of the biceps tendon remains incompletely defined, a growing body of evidence supports its role as a stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint. This stabilizing function should be incorporated into the treatment of biceps tendon disorders. Routine tenodesis has been replaced by a more individualized approach, taking into consideration physiologic age, activity level, expectations, and exact shoulder pathology present. New repair techniques are under development, and preservation of the biceps-labral complex is now preferred when possible.     

The low-anterolateral portal for arthroscopic biceps tenodesis: description of technique and cadaveric study

Purpose

Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis surgery is an important procedure for the correction of biceps tendonitis or in conjunction with rotator cuff repair with biceps symptoms. Recent trends have developed in placing the biceps tendon lower in the bicipital groove for a tenodesis. However, a more distal biceps tenodesis location is technically challenging when carried out arthroscopically with standard posterior and lateral portals. We aimed to establish the safety of a low-anterolateral portal location for direct access to the lowest aspect of the bicipital groove.

Methods

An anatomical study design was used to examine portal to neurovascular structural measurements in 23 cadaveric shoulders. These shoulders had undergone low-anterolateral portal placement over the inferior most aspect of the bicipital groove as determined by palpation and direct arthroscopic visualization. No arthroscopic irrigation was performed. Following this, the shoulders underwent open dissection with the cannula in place to evaluate for any potential damage to any portion of the axillary nerve.

Results

All of the resultant portals in this study provided direct access to the inferior most aspect of the bicipital groove, and the dissection revealed that the portal was touching a small distal axillary nerve branch on the undersurface of the anterior deltoid in nearly half of the shoulders.

Conclusions

The placement of a low-anterolateral portal for arthroscopic biceps tenodesis at the distal bicipital groove does not produce significant neurovascular damage; the portal trajectory comes close to distal anterior branches of the axillary nerve. Given these findings, this portal should be placed bluntly to best protect these underlying neurovascular structures.