A Prospective Study Comparing Suture Anchor and Soft Tissue Pectoralis Major Tendon Techniques for Biceps Tenodesis

Biceps tenodesis is a commonly performed procedure in shoulder surgery. In many cases, it is
performed in conjunction with a rotator cuff repair. Currently, biceps tenodesis is performed
in many different ways depending on surgeon preference. First, the location of the tenodesis
can vary, as surgeons may prefer a suprapectoral or subpectoral tenodesis location. In
addition, the tenodesis fixation technique can also vary, as surgeons have the option to use
a screw or suture anchor to perform the tenodesis. There have been numerous studies comparing
these various techniques, including suprapectoral versus subpectoral techniques and screw
versus suture anchor techniques. None of these studies have been conclusive, and there
continues to be controversy as to the best technique.

The current study will compare two techniques of subpectoral biceps tenodesis. Specifically,
we will compare tenodesis using a suture anchor versus a technique where the tendon is simply
sutured to the pectoralis major tendon. The latter technique has been previously described
and published.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Age 18 - 100 years

- Able to provide written informed consent

- Has: (a) partial- or full-thickness rotator cuff tear verified by preoperative
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy; (b) concomitant biceps lesions (LHBT
partial tear>50%, SLAP type II lesion, pulley lesion, or subluxation/dislocation of
LHBT) that were diagnosed arthroscopically with concomitant symptoms; and (c)
arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Any medical illness that adversely impacts the patient's ability to complete the study
procedures

- Isolated glenohumeral pathological conditions

- Any prior surgery on the same shoulder

- Complete rupture of the LHBT assessed by MRI or at time of procedure

- Incomplete repair of the rotator cuff