Isolated Biceps Tenodesis and Tenotomy: A Systematic Review of Indications and Patient Satisfaction

Biceps tenodesis and tenotomy are increasingly being used as treatment options for shoulder pathology, but patient satisfaction remains largely unstudied. A systematic review of the MEDLINE database was conducted to identify clinical outcome studies on isolated biceps tenodesis or tenotomy that reported patient satisfaction. Within the 15 investigations that were included, the indication for tenotomy was rotator cuff pathology, whereas the indication for tenodesis was biceps pathology or type 2 superior labral tear from anterior to posterior. Patients undergoing tenotomy were 13.6 years older than those undergoing tenodesis (P <.001). Patient satisfaction was high following both procedures, at 85.6% following tenotomy and 92.3% following tenodesis.