Biceps Tenodesis Combined With Rotator Cuff Repair Increases Functional Status And Elbow Strength In Both Operated And Contralateral Arms

Abstract

Purpose: Aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the elbow flexion and supination strengths, and the functional outcomes of patients after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair combined with simultaneous biceps tenodesis.Methods: Nineteen patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and biceps tenodesis with at least 24 months follow-up were included. Patients were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for bicipital groove pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and constant scores(CS), biceps apex distance (BAD), elbow flexion and supination strengths.Results: VAS for biceps groove measurement averages of postoperative 6th, 12th and 24th month were lower in comparison to pre-operative data and were considered to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Constant score, an average of all post-operative measurements and scores were found higher than pre-operative values and was considered to be statistically significant (p<0,01). There was a significant difference in the comparison of operated and contralateral forearm supination and elbow flexion muscle strength measurements at postoperative 3rd and 6th-month follow-up (p<0.01).Conclusion: Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis into the anchors of lateral row combined rotator cuff repair provides an increase in strength of elbow flexion and forearm supination, while decreases pain. Level of Evidence: Level IV