Intra-Articular Tenodesis of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon

Pathologic changes of the proximal intra-articular part of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) are a well-known source for shoulder pain due to inflammatory changes, injuries, or instability. In most cases concomitant injures such as rotator cuff injuries affect the biceps tendon and a special attention must be brought to those structures. Therefore, a precise intra-articular evaluation of the origin and the course of the LHBT should be performed to locate pathologic changes and diagnose instability. Arthroscopic intra-articular tenodesis of the LHBT is a save and reproducible technique to address injuries to the proximal part of the biceps tendon. It does not add additional surgical approaches for the fixation in comparison to a subpectoral technique. Additionally, the fixation point at the top of the bicipital groove is far away from neuro-vascular structures and therefore less complication affected.