Purpose: Arthroscopic tenotomy of the long head of the biceps brachial is indicated for pain relief in the treatment of unrepairable tears of the rotator cuff. The purpose of our study was to evaluate clinical and radiological outcome.

Material and methods: This retrospective study included 38 patients (21 women and 17 men) mean age 65 years (44–78) who presented rotator cuff tears that could not be repaired by suture. These patients underwent arthroscopic tenotomy associated with acromioplasty in eight cases. Preoperative imaging included arthroscan and standard radiograms to assess retraction of the supraspinatus stump and fatty degeneration. The clinical outcome was assessed with the Constant score and search for loss of biceps force (estimated in comparision of an age- and gender-matched cohort). Modifications of the subarcomial height and the stage of joint degeneration were assessed on AP radiograms (standing and reclining position).

Results: Mean follow-up was 31 months. There were no complications related to the operation. The overall constant score improved 19 points from 39 to 58 (pain +7 and motion +6.1 increased most). The activity score improved 6 points. Active joint motion in antepulsion, abduction, and lateral rotation (elbow to body) increased 36.5°, 13.1° and 20.8° respectively. The sub acromial height decreased very little (from 7.4 mm preoperatively to 7.4 mm postoperatively). We observed a 37% decrease in arm force in flexion/supination on the operated side (6.05 kg vs 9.65 kg). Subjectively, 85% of the patients were very satisfied or satisfied, 10% were disappointed and 2.5% were discontent. For 88% of the patients the decision for surgical intervention was wise.

Discussion: Tenotomy of the long head of the brachial biceps is effective for pain relief and consequently joint motion. It is a technically simple procedure which does not accelerate degeneration of the excentered joint, at the follow-up considered. It does however reduce flexion force of the arm.