Combined, Single-Anchor Subscapularis Tendon Repair and Proximal Biceps Tenodesis Leads to Improved Function and Decreased Pain at 1 Year

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the 1-year clinical outcomes of patients treated with combined proximal biceps tenodesis and repair of type II to III subscapularis tendon (SST) injuries according to Lafosse et al., using the Loop ‘N’ Tack (LNT) technique.

Methods

All patients undergoing proximal biceps tenodesis and rotator cuff repair between March 1, 2020, and January 30, 2022, were retrospectively identified. Only patients undergoing combined proximal biceps tenodesis and repair of grade II or III SST injuries with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. All patients underwent combined single-anchor proximal biceps tenodesis and SST repair using the LNT technique. The following outcome scores were recorded at a final follow-up of 1 year postoperatively and compared with baseline, preoperative values: American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12), and visual analog scale (VAS). The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for all outcome indices was determined with a distribution-based method.

Results

A total of 41 consecutive patients were included. The MCID values for VAS pain, ASES, SANE, and VR-12 mental scores were 0.97, 8.5, 10.9, and 6.0 respectively. At 1-year final follow-up, approximately 95% (39/41) of patients exceeded the MCID for VAS pain scores, 90% (37/41) of patients for ASES scores, 85.4% (34/41) of patients for SANE scores, and 75.6% (31/41) of patients for VR-12 mental health scores. On average, ASES and SANE scores improved by 37 (preoperatively: 45.2, 1 year: 82.4, P < .001) and 38 points (preoperatively: 38.0, 1 year: 75.7, P < .001), respectively, while VAS scores decreased by 4 points (preoperatively: 5.49, 1 year: 1.48, P < .001). Approximately 88% (36/41) of patients were satisfied at 1 year postoperatively. Treatment failure was observed in 1 patient (2.4%).

Conclusions

Patients treated with combined, single-anchor SST repair and LNT proximal biceps tenodesis achieved significant improvements in function, high satisfaction, and low rates of reoperation at 1 year postoperatively. Additionally, 76% to 95% of patients met the MCID for VAS pain, ASES, SANE, and VR-12 mental health scores.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, retrospective case series.