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 performed high in the bicipital groove at the articular margin of the humeral head using interference screw fixation. Methods: Seven surgeons pooled data from patients who underwent arthroscopic biceps tenodesis at the articular margin with interference screw fixation. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 50 weeks. Preoperative and postoperative pain scores, objective shoulder outcome scores, and the need for revision surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 1,083 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 136 weeks. The overall revision surgery rate was 4.1%, whereas revision specifically related to the biceps tenodesis was required in only 0.4% of cases. Pain scores significantly improved, as did University of California, Los Angeles and Simple Shoulder Test scores. Conclusions: Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis performed at the articular margin is associated with a low revision rate, a low incidence of residual pain, and significant improvement in objective shoulder outcome scores.