Does forearm position matter in subpectoral biceps tenodesis? A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: The optimal position of the elbow and forearm during biceps tenodesis is a debated topic. The aim of our study was to compare two different forearm positions, pronation-extension (PE) or neutral, for fixation of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHB) in biceps tenodesis.

Materials and methods: Fifty patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy between February 2016 and January 2019 were included in our study. After diagnostic arthroscopy, the LHB was cut from its origin with a thermal ablator. The LHB was then tenodesed beneath the inferior border of the pectoralis major tendon for 25 patients in the PE position and for 25 patients in the neutral position. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and 3rd, 6th and 12th months postoperatively according to the visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder and Constant scores. Flexion and supination force measurements were made with a digital dynamometer device, compared to the healthy side for both groups.

Results: ASES and VAS scores were statistically better in the PE group compared with the neutral group (p < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between Constant scores at 3 and 6 months (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found in both groups for 3 scores at 12 months. Comparison of the PE group with the contralateral extremity and comparing the neutral group with the contralateral extremity in terms of flexion strength showed no statistically significant difference. No statistically significant difference was found between the supination powers of both comparative groups.

Conclusion: Functional scoring in the PE position is better at 3 and 6 months because patients experience less pain at 3 and 6 months. The simple change of the fixation position causes patients to feel less pain in the early period.

Keywords: Biceps; Forearm; Position; Shoulder arthroscopy; Tenodesis.