Arthroscopic Biceps Tenotomy: Technique and Results

The tendon of the long head of the biceps (LHB) is a frequent source of pain in the shoulder as the result of numerous pathologies, ranging from tendonitis, delamination, subluxation, to dislocation or hypertrophy with joint entrapment, affecting both the tendon and its pulley system. The treatment of pathology of the LHB tendon involves resection of the intra-articular portion, a “bipolar” tenotomy, or a tenodesis. For the younger, athletic population, we perform an arthroscopic biceps tenodesis with an interference screw. However, when technical considerations prevent the safe performance of a tenodesis, when the age or activity level of the patent do not warrant the increased operative time, or if the requisite materials are unavailable, tenotomy of the LHB with resection of the intraarticular portion is a safe, reliable procedure with excellent results. The following study describes our indications, technique, and results for an arthroscopic biceps tenotomy.