Outcomes of Arthroscopic Biceps Tenodesis for the Treatment of Failed Type II SLAP Repair: A Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

Background: To retrospectively review surgical outcomes of prospectively collected data on a series of patients who underwent revision of a type II SLAP repair to arthroscopic biceps tenodesis due to an unsuccessful outcome. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on a cohort of patients who underwent arthroscopic biceps tenodesis for a failed type II SLAP repair from 2010 to 2014. Range of motion (ROM) in four planes was measured pre-and postoperatively. In addition, all patients completed the American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons (ASES) standardized shoulder assessment form, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Short Form-12 (SF-12) scores. Results: Overall, 26 patients met inclusion criteria. All 26 patients were available for follow-up at a minimum of two years (100% follow-up). The mean age of the patients was 37(range 26-54), 85% were male, and 58% were overhead laborers. Clinical as well as statistical improvement was noted following tenodesis across all outcome measurements (P<0.01). Additionally, ROM improved in all four planes (P<0.01). The rate of return to work was 85% with workers’ compensation status leading to inferior outcomes. Two complications were noted which required an additional surgery. Conclusion: Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis demonstrates to be an effective treatment for a failed type II SLAP repair with improved patient satisfaction, pain relief, and range of motion at two-years follow-up with a low complication rate.