Abstract
Purpose: To report a new technique of arthroscopic biceps tenodesis using bioabsorbable interference
screw fixation and the early results. Type of Study: Prospective, nonrandomized study. Methods: Technique: The principle of arthroscopic biceps tenodesis is simple: after biceps
tenotomy, the tendon is exteriorized and doubled on a suture; the biceps tendon is
then pulled into a humeral socket (7 or 8 mm × 25 mm) drilled at the top of the bicipital
groove, and fixed using a bioabsorbable interference screw (8 or 9 mm × 25 mm) under
arthroscopic control. Patients: 43 patients treated with this technique between 1997
and 1999 were followed-up for at least 1 year. The technique was indicated in 3 clinical
situations: (1) with arthroscopic cuff repair (3 cases), (2) in case of isolated pathology
of the biceps tendon with an intact cuff (6 cases), and (3) as an alternative to biceps
tenotomy in patients with massive, degenerative and irreparable cuff tears (34 cases).
The biceps pathology was tenosynovitis (4 cases), prerupture (15 cases), subluxation
(11 cases), and luxation (13 cases). Results: The absolute Constant score improved from 43 points preoperatively to 79 points at
review (P < .005). There was no loss of elbow movement and biceps strength was 90% of the strength
of the other side. Two patients, operated on early in the series, presented with a
rupture of the tenodesis. In both cases the bicipital tendon was very friable and
the diameter of the screw proved to be insufficient (7 mm). No neurologic or vascular
complications occurred. Conclusions: Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis using bioabsorbable screw fixation is technically possible
and gives good clinical results. This technique can be used in cases of isolated pathologic
biceps tendon or a cuff tear. A very thin, fragile, almost ruptured biceps tendon
is the technical limit of this arthroscopic technique.
Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 9 (November-December),
2002: pp 1002– 1012
Keywords
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Article info
Footnotes
*Address correspondence and reprint requests to Pascal Boileau, M.D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hôpital de L’Archet-University of Nice, 151 Route de St. Antoine de Ginestière, 06202 Nice, France. E-mail: [email protected]
**NOTE: To access the video illustration accompanying this report, visit the November-December on-line issue of Arthroscopy at http://www.arthroscopyjournal.org
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
