Published online Mar 18, 2016. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v7.i3.188
Peer-review started: February 4, 2015
First decision: July 6, 2015
Revised: December 3, 2015
Accepted: December 18, 2015
Article in press: December 20, 2015
Published online: March 18, 2016
Processing time: 399 Days and 19.3 Hours
AIM: To demonstrate that long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) tenodesis is possible more than 3 mo after rupture.
METHODS: From September 2009 to January 2012 we performed tenodesis of the LHBT in 11 individuals (average age 56.9 years, range 42 to 73) more than 3 mo after rupture. All patients were evaluated by Disabilites of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Mayo outcome scores at an average follow-up of 19.1 mo. We similarly evaluated 5 patients (average age 58.2 years, range 45 to 64) over the same time treated within 3 mo of rupture with an average follow-up of 22.5 mo.
RESULTS: Tenodesis with an interference screw was possible in all patients more than 3 mo after rupture and 90% had good to excellent outcomes but two had recurrent rupture. All of those who had tenodesis less than 3 mo after rupture had good to excellent outcomes and none had recurrent rupture. No statistical difference was found for DASH and Mayo outcome scores between the two groups (P <0.05).
CONCLUSION: Tenodesis of LHBT more than 3 mo following rupture had outcomes similar to tenodesis done within 3 mo of rupture but recurrent rupture occurred in 20%.
Core tip: While some think long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) tenodesis is not possible more than 3 mo after rupture, we have demonstrated that it is and will yeld to outcomes similar to tenodesis done within 3 mo. The LHBT tenodesis was achieved in all patients affected by chronic rupture.