Long Head of Biceps Tendon Management: a Survey of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons.

BACKGROUND

Management of symptomatic long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) pathology remains a source of debate.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to identify consensus trends for the treatment of LHBT pathology among specialists.

METHODS

A survey was distributed to members of the American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES), consisting of three sections-demographics, case scenarios, and general LHBT pathology management. Cases presented common clinical scenarios, and surgeons reported their management preferences. Consensus responses were defined as > 50% of participants giving a single response.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-two of 417 (34%) surgeons completed surveys. Forty-seven percent of questions reached a consensus answer. Biceps tenodesis was the overwhelmingly preferred technique in cases demonstrating LHBT pathology, as compared to tenotomy. No consensus, however, was reached regarding a specific surgical technique for biceps tenodesis. The two most popular techniques were arthroscopic tenodesis to bone and open subpectoral biceps tenodesis. Fellowship-trained arthroscopic surgeons and surgeons with a largely arthroscopic practice were more likely to perform tenodesis arthroscopically.

CONCLUSION

ASES members favored biceps tenodesis over tenotomy for surgical management of LHBT pathology, without consensus regarding a specific surgical technique.