The effect of biceps tenotomy on clinical results in patients with rotator cuff rupture

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effect of tenotomy on clinical and radiological outcomes in the treatment of biceps long headtendon pathologies associated with rotator cuff tears.Material and Methods: The study was conducted with 66 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were available (Group 1:Tenotomy, n = 40; Group 2: Non-tenotomy, n = 26). Clinical evaluation of the patients was performed with Modified Constant-Murley Scoring, radiological evaluation with ultrasonography, functional evaluation with dynamometer and visual evaluation withthe detection of Popeye Sign finding.Results: The mean age of the patients in group 1 was 58.17 ± 7.95, the follow-up period was 28.87 months, the mean age of thepatients in group 2 was 60.61 ± 4.66, and the follow-up period was 35.28 months; there was no statistically significant differencebetween two groups (p> 0.05). The mean score of the patients in group 1 was 89.83 ± 7.87, whereas the mean score of the patients ingroup 2 was 86.19 ± 7.07 (p> 0.05). In the ultrasonographic examination, the tendon cut in 24 (60%) of the 40 patients who underwenttenotomy was seen in the bicipital groove, but not in the groove in 16 (40%) patients, but only 3 of these patients had “Popeye Sign”findings.Conclusion: Tenotomy for the treatment of biceps tendon pathologies associated with rotator cuff tear may be an effective treatmentmethod in terms of cost, pain relief and postoperative rehabilitation in the appropriate patient group.