Proximal biceps tendon pathologies

Abstract

Proximal biceps tendon pathologies are the important cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. However, they are still not completely understood, and both clinic and radiologic diagnosis are unclear. Arthroscopic examination of the shoulder has altered our understanding of and approach to treatment for conditions of the long head of biceps tendon. Biceps tenotomy and tenodesis are the surgical treatment options. Factors that need to be taken into account when choosing between tenotomy and tenodesis are the activity expectations of the patient, the importance of the cosmetic result, and patient compliance. The functional role of the long head of biceps tendon at the shoulder is limited. For that reason, surgeons should be aware that retaining a pathological tendon has a more negative functional consequence than the loss of the tendon itself. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.