Biceps tenotomy in the presence of a supraspinatus tear alters the adjacent intact tendons and glenoid cartilage

Arthroscopic Biceps Tenotomy Using a Single Portal for Working and Viewing: A Rabbit Model and Technique

Biceps tenotomy (BT) is a common surgery used to address anterior shoulder pain and joint dysfunction in humans. Using animal models to simulate human conditions is an effective and essential research strategy to further understand histologic and biomechanical processes that occur after BT, including the pathology of the detached biceps, secondary tendinopathic conditions of the rotator cuffs, and glenohumeral functional changes. This Technical Note presents a comprehensive step-by-step description of an arthroscopic BT procedure in rabbits. This technique is particularly beneficial, as the mini-invasive arthroscopic technique in a rabbit model is similar to that performed in humans. which resulted in less scarring and injuries to other adjacent structures in comparison with open surgery.

Does bicep pathology affect rotator cuff repair outcomes?

INTRODUCTION

Rotator cuff (RC) tears are common and a frequent cause of dysfunction in the shoulder, especially with progression of age. Biceps pathology occurs concomitantly and its relationship with RC tears has been well described. However, the study of biceps intervention affecting outcomes of RC repair is limited. We aim to study the effect of biceps tenotomy in RC repair after matching for cuff tear size.

METHODS

We collected data of 24 consecutive patients undergoing RC repair and biceps tenotomy and matched them with patients undergoing RC repair only ( n = 24). The groups were matched for age, RC tear size, and presence of subscapularis tears. All patients of this study underwent RC repair under a single surgeon. Patient demographics and outcome measures in the form of range of motion (ROM) pain scores and validated shoulder scores (Constant shoulder score, Oxford score, and University of California Los Angeles shoulder score) were collected preoperative and at predetermined fixed intervals up to 2 years postoperatively. We then compared the two groups using a mixed analysis of variance design so as to identify any possible differences.

RESULTS

Patients from both groups demonstrated significant improvement in ROM, lower pain scores, and improvement in functional outcomes ( p < 0.05). Patients with biceps intervention demonstrated equivalent outcomes postoperatively up to 2 years with no statistical differences ( p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Arthoscopic RC repair is an effective intervention for improving ROM, reducing pain, and improving function. Concomitant biceps procedure did not negatively impede recovery or affect outcomes.

Biceps Detachment Preserves Joint Function in a Chronic Massive Rotator Cuff Tear Rat Model

BACKGROUND

Lesions of the long head of the biceps tendon are often associated with massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs), and biceps tenotomy is frequently performed for pain relief and functional reservation. However, the efficacy and safety of biceps tenotomy regarding the effects on the surrounding tissues in chronic MRCT are unclear.

HYPOTHESIS

Biceps tenotomy would result in improved mechanical and histological properties of the intact subscapularis tendon and improved in vivo shoulder function while not compromising glenoid cartilage properties.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Right supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons were detached in 25 male Sprague-Dawley rats, followed by 4 weeks of cage activity to create a chronic MRCT condition. Animals were randomly divided into 2 groups and received either biceps tenotomy (n = 11) or sham surgery (n = 14) and were sacrificed 4 weeks thereafter. Forelimb gait and ground-reaction forces were recorded 1 day before the tendon detachment (baseline), 1 day before the surgical intervention (biceps tenotomy or sham), and 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 days after the intervention to assess in vivo shoulder joint function. The subscapularis tendon and glenoid cartilage were randomly allocated for mechanical testing or histologic assessment after the sacrifice.

RESULTS

Compared with sham surgery, biceps tenotomy partially restored the in vivo shoulder joint function, with several gait and ground-reaction force parameters returning closer to preinjury baseline values at 4 weeks. With biceps tenotomy, mechanical properties of the subscapularis tendons were improved, while mechanical properties and histological Mankin scores of the glenoid cartilage were not diminished when compared with the sham group.

CONCLUSION

Biceps tenotomy in the presence of chronic MRCT partially preserves overall shoulder function and potentially restores subscapularis tendon health without causing detrimental effects to joint cartilage. This laboratory study adds to the growing literature regarding the protective effects of biceps tenotomy on the shoulder joint in a chronic MRCT model.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study provides important basic science evidence supporting the use of biceps tenotomy in patients with massive rotator cuff tears.

Treatment of Type Two Slap Lesion With Anatomic Suture Anchor Repair Without Biceps Tenotomy Or Tenodesis

Background:

Poor results after repair of type 2 SLAP tears are relatively common and some have reported better results after biceps tenodesis or tenotomy than repair. In addition, some believe that the long head of the biceps is expendable. Therefore, many now favor biceps tenotomy or tenodesis over biceps anchor repair either in all patients or in older patients, reserving SLAP lesion repair only for young athletes.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that repair of the biceps anchor of the labrum would be effective in all patients regardless of age provided that care was taken not to overtighten the labrum and that rotator cuff pain as the primary pain generator had been ruled out.

Methods:

All patients with type 2 SLAP lesion repair by the senior author since he began repairing them with suture anchors were prospectively evaluated. Patients with more than one other concomitant procedure, simultaneous rotator cuff repair or worker’s compensation status were excluded.

Results:

77% of patients were available for minimum two year followup. No patient had subsequent surgery or manipulation under anesthesis as a result of their SLAP repair. Standardized shoulder test score increased by 4 points. Mean SANE score decreased from 53 pre-op to 14 post-op. Results were the same in those over versus under 40 years of age.

Conclusion:

Anatomic repair of Type 2 SLAP lesions at the biceps anchor without biceps tenodesis or tenotomy can produce good results in patients of all ages.