Historically, a variety of tenodesis have been performed for the tendinopathy of the long head of biceps. Despite their good short-term results, long-term results of traditional tenodesis were controversial. Biceps tenotomy was first described by Walch in treatment of cases with massive rotator cuff tear. There were few reports for tenotomy as definite treatment method. We present the results of arthroscopic tenotomy of tendinopathy of long head of biceps.

From January 1998 to February 2000, 14 shoulders of 14 patients were treated with arthroscopic biceps tenotomy. Mean follow-up period was 30 months. A mean age was 55 years old. The pathologies of the long head were partial rupture in 8 cases, tendon subluxation in 3 cases, SLAP lesion in 2 cases, and tenosynovitis in 1 case. Concomitant pathologies were rotator cuff tears in 3 cases, subacromial bursitis in 3 cases and so, additional procedure were performed. Postoperative outcome was assessed by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Scoring System.

The mean preoperative ASES score was 35.0 and last follow up score was 85.2. Popeyes deformities were demonstrated in 6 cases, but none of the cases complained of pain or cosmetic problem.

Arthroscopic tenotomy for long head of biceps tendon is simple procedure. It demostrate a rapid recovery without significant complication. It appears that the procedure is effective in pain relief and functional recovery.