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Biceps tenodesis versus tenotomy in isolated LHB lesions: a prospective randomized clinical trial

  • Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Currently there exists no clear evidence concerning the surgical treatment of LHB lesions with either tenotomy or tenodesis. The aim of the study is therefore to evaluate elbow flexion and forearm supination force as well as the biceps muscle distalization according to both techniques in isolated LHB lesions.

Methods

Consecutive patients aged 40–70 years with shoulder arthroscopies for isolated SLAP or biceps pulley lesions were prospectively randomized to arthroscopic suprapectoral intraosseous LHB tenodesis or tenotomy. Pre-, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, the SST, ASES, Constant–Murley and LHB scores were recorded. The elbow flexion force was measured in 10°/90° flexion, the supination force in neutral/pronation position. In addition, the maximum upper-arm circumference and its position relative to the radial epicondyle of the humerus were evaluated preoperatively and in follow-up.

Results

20/22 patients (mean age 52.0 ± 8.5; range 36–63 years, 11 male) completed the follow-up. 9/20 were treated with LHB tenodesis (mean age 51.5 ± 9.5; range 37–63 years, 7 male) and 11/20 with tenotomy (mean age 52.8 ± 8.0; range 36–62 years, 4 male). The force measurements and scores showed no significant difference after 12 months. Tenodesis achieved a significant increase in force 6 months postoperatively compared to preoperatively. One tenodesis patient and three tenotomy patients showed a postoperative popeye-sign deformity.

Conclusion

This prospective randomized study comparing LHB tenodesis and tenotomy in isolated LHB lesions has shown no significant difference in elbow flexion and forearm supination force and clinical scores after 12 months. After LHB tenotomy, there was a non-significant trend for a higher rate of popeye-sign deformities of the upper arm and biceps muscle cramps.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Klinik für Orthopädie, Moorenstr 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Martin Hufeland, Sabrina Wicke, Rüdiger Krauspe & Thilo Patzer

  2. Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Koordinierungszentrum für klinische Studien (KKS), Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany

    Pablo E. Verde

  3. Schön-Klinik Düsseldorf, Fachzentrum für Schulter, Ellenbogen, Knie und Sportorthopädie, Düsseldorf, 40549, Germany

    Thilo Patzer

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  1. Martin Hufeland
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  2. Sabrina Wicke
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Correspondence to Martin Hufeland.

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Conflict of interest

All authors declare that they have no competing interests. The senior author receives royalties by Arthrex, (Freiham, Germany), Smith & Nephew (Hamburg, Germany) and Lima (Hamburg, Germany) which have no influences on this study.

Research involving human and animal participants

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. The local ethics committee approved this study (Registration Number 4647R).

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Hufeland, M., Wicke, S., Verde, P.E. et al. Biceps tenodesis versus tenotomy in isolated LHB lesions: a prospective randomized clinical trial. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 139, 961–970 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-019-03136-4

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