Arthroscopic Repair of Anterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears Combined With Open Biceps Tenodesis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to look at the functional outcomes of arthroscopic repair of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears with open biceps tenodesis when indicated.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 17 patients (17 shoulders) who underwent arthroscopic repair of anterosuperior tears with concurrent open biceps tenodesis. At final follow-up, an independent examiner collected shoulder functional outcome scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder Test, and visual analog pain scale. Objective information including range of motion and strength was also collected.

Results

Of the 17 patients, 13 (77%) were available for evaluation with a mean age of 52.7 ± 7.0 years at the time of surgery (range, 32 to 65 years) and a mean follow-up of 34.6 ± 10.5 months (range, 14 to 52 months). The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 50.6 ± 18.9 (range, 13 to 75) preoperatively to 89.6 ± 7.5 (range, 50 to 100) postoperatively (P < .001). There was a significant increase in the mean Simple Shoulder Test score from 6.1 ± 3.2 preoperatively (range, 0 to 10) to 10.7 ± 1.2 (range, 9 to 12) postoperatively (P < .001). Of the 13 patients, 11 (85%) patients were “delighted” with the surgical outcome and the other 2 patients (15%) were “pleased.”

Conclusions

Arthroscopic repair of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears with open biceps tenodesis provides a significant improvement in pain relief and shoulder function.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic case series.