Arthroscopic proximal biceps tenodesis at the articular margin: Evaluation of outcomes, complications, and revision rate

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of residual pain, outcomes, and the revision rate of arthroscopic proximal biceps tenodesis high in the groove at the articular margin of the humeral head by interference screw fixation. Methods Seven surgeons pooled data on patients who underwent an arthroscopic biceps tenodesis at the articular margin by interference screw fixation. All patients had a minimum of 50 weeks' follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative patient data including visual analog scale scores (obtained by all surgeons), objective shoulder scores (Simple Shoulder Test and University of California, Los Angeles scores obtained by 2 and 4 surgeons, respectively), and need for revision surgery (obtained by all surgeons) were retrospectively analyzed, the results are reported, and statistical analysis was performed. Results After the application of our exclusion criteria, 1,083 patients were included in the analysis. The mean follow-up period was 136 weeks. The overall revision surgery rate for this group was 4.1% (44 of 1,083). Revision for biceps tenodesis-related issues was needed in only 4 cases (for a biceps tenodesis-related revision rate of 0.4%). Pain scores improved from 6.47 preoperatively to 1.08 postoperatively (P <.0001). University of California, Los Angeles scores improved from 14.9 preoperatively to 30.1 postoperatively (P <.0001), and Simple Shoulder Test scores improved from 2.7 preoperatively to 10.2 postoperatively (P <.0001). Conclusions Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis performed at the articular margin results in a low surgical revision rate, a low rate of residual pain, and significant improvement in objective shoulder outcome scores. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.