SLAP损伤与肱二头肌病变
Patients › Shoulder
Superior labral (SLAP) tears and disorders of the long head of biceps — assessment and treatment.
您的感受
您可能会感到肩部前方疼痛。这种疼痛通常位于关节深处。它也可能放射至上臂。许多人将其描述为钝痛,并在活动时转为锐痛。您可能会注意到,当您将手臂举过头顶时,疼痛会加重。从高处货架取物可能变得困难。投掷球类或打网球等运动可能引发锐痛。
您的肩部可能感觉不稳定,或有即将脱位的感觉。部分患者报告有卡顿或交锁感。这是由于撕裂的组织被卡在关节内所致。您在活动手臂时可能会听到咔哒声或弹响声。这些症状常与其他肩部问题相似。您的疼痛可能类似于肩袖炎症或一般性不稳。晨起时感到僵硬是很常见的。
当需要使用双手完成日常任务时,会感到困难。伸手到背后扣内衣可能会引起疼痛。塞衬衫需要别扭的扭转动作,这会加重撕裂。由于受压和疼痛,患侧卧位睡眠往往变得不可能。您可能会因不适而频繁醒来。
疼痛通常在活动后加剧。它可能持续至傍晚,或在夜间影响睡眠。休息通常有助于缓解即时的锐痛,但缺乏活动会导致僵硬复发。您可能会发现自己在避免使用手臂以保护它。这可能导致随时间推移出现无力。
重要的是要知道,仅凭体格检查无法确诊此病。您的外科医生将结合您的病史和影像学检查来了解您的症状。如果肱二头肌腱存在钙化,可能与该撕裂有关。了解您的具体症状有助于外科医生为您选择正确的治疗方案。无论是需要修复还是肌腱固定术(将肌腱重新定位),目标都是缓解疼痛并恢复功能。
实际发生了什么
您的肩关节是一个球窝关节。关节窝内衬有一圈称为盂唇的软骨。可以将这圈软骨想象成一个垫圈或减震器。它使肱骨头居中并保持稳定。肱二头肌肌腱附着在这圈软骨的顶部。它像一根绳索,有助于抬起您的手臂。
SLAP 撕裂意味着该附着点已分离或撕裂。SLAP 是 Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior(从盂唇上缘前部至后部)的缩写。这描述了撕裂的位置和方向。它发生在关节窝的顶部。
这种损伤可能表现为多种不同的问题。它经常与肩峰下撞击或肩袖问题相似。它也可能表现为肩关节不稳。这使得诊断变得困难。有时,仅凭症状很难准确判断具体病因。
当发生这种撕裂时,您的肩关节力学机制会发生改变。肱骨头可能在关节窝内滑动过多。这种额外的活动会增加肱二头肌肌腱的应力。它还会增加关节内的压力。随着时间的推移,这种额外的负荷可能会磨损关节面。
您的身体试图应对这种不稳定性。您的肌肉可能在不同于平时的时间收缩。例如,前锯肌可能会提前激活。这很可能是一种保护性策略,用于稳定您的肩胛骨和关节。然而,这种收缩时机的改变可能会感觉不协调或无力。
这些变化解释了您的疼痛和活动受限。撕裂破坏了关节的平滑滑动。在运动过程中,肱二头肌肌腱会被牵拉或拉伤。这会导致锐痛,尤其是在抬举或过头活动时。它还可能引起卡压感。
理解这一点有助于您的外科医生选择合适的修复方案。对于某些患者,修复盂唇是最佳选择。对于其他患者,改变肱二头肌肌腱的附着点(肱二头肌长头肌腱固定术)效果更好。这一决定取决于您的年龄、活动水平和具体的撕裂类型。您的外科医生将指导您选择能够恢复稳定性并减轻疼痛的方案。
我们能采取的措施
您的外科医生首先会推荐非手术治疗,并制定适当的治疗方案。对于有症状的SLAP损伤的中年患者,这种方法可提供令人满意的临床结果。在推荐手术治疗之前,您应考虑这一步骤。目标是通过针对性锻炼减轻疼痛并恢复活动能力。基于您的具体症状和既往治疗情况,临床预测模型可以中等准确度地预测该管理方案的失败风险。然而,不应仅凭临床评估测试就做出手术决定。您还必须考虑您的疼痛程度、 overhead 活动水平以及对既往非手术治疗方案的反应。
如果疼痛持续存在,药物治疗可能包括止痛药或抗炎药。在某些情况下,您的外科医生可能会考虑注射治疗,如皮质类固醇、透明质酸或富血小板血浆(PRP)。这些选项旨在减轻炎症并提供临时缓解。如果怀疑肱二头肌长头肌腱起点处存在钙化性肌腱炎,则可能需要考虑是否存在合并的SLAP损伤及其管理。请注意,在无症状肩部的中年患者中,MRI诊断出的上唇撕裂的高患病率强调了在治疗决策时支持临床判断的必要性。不要仅依赖影像学检查;您的外科医生会将发现结果与您的身体症状相关联。
当保守治疗达到极限时,会考虑手术。这通常是由疼痛的存在以及您恢复活动的愿望所驱动的。对于30岁以下患有症状性孤立性SLAP撕裂的患者,开放胸大肌下肱二头肌腱固定术可能是关节镜修复的可靠替代方案。与SLAP修复相比,在至少2年的随访中,原发性肱二头肌腱固定术可为30岁以下的活跃患者提供更好的功能结果。对于II型和IV型SLAP撕裂患者,它也是原发性SLAP修复的一种安全、有效且技术简单的替代方案。在年轻活跃人群中,与修复相比,肱二头肌腱固定术可能有助于更早地恢复活动。对于失败的II型SLAP修复,作为补救手术的胸大肌下肱二头肌腱固定术显示出改善的结果。最终决定是与患者个体化做出的,权衡具体的优缺点。
预期情况
您的肩膀在手术后可能会感觉更好,但恢复完全功能需要时间。大多数患者会经历疼痛显著减轻,肩膀功能明显改善。您可以预期,您的外科医生会与您讨论肱二头肌腱固定术(biceps tenodesis)或 SLAP 修复术(SLAP repair)哪个更适合您。这一决定取决于您的年龄、活动水平以及撕裂的具体性质。
对于 30 岁以下的活跃患者,肱二头肌腱固定术通常比 SLAP 修复术提供更好的功能结果。在该手术中,您的外科医生会将肱二头肌腱移至上臂骨的新位置。这种方法安全、有效且结果可预测。如果您曾接受过 SLAP 修复术但愈合不良,这也是一个可靠的选项。即使您的初次手术失败,这种矫正措施也能恢复功能并减轻疼痛。
如果您是参与过头运动的竞技运动员,您的预后通常较为乐观。约 81% 的患者在行胸大肌下肱二头肌腱固定术(subpectoral biceps tenodesis)后恢复到之前的运动水平。这种恢复通常发生在术后平均 4.1 个月。如果您经过严格筛选适合该手术,您可以预期获得高满意度和良好的结果。在至少两年的随访中,女性患者在疼痛缓解、功能恢复以及重返运动方面的结果与男性患者相当。
如果您选择不进行手术,或者年龄超过 40 岁,治疗趋势正在发生变化。针对 40 岁以上的患者,SLAP 修复术的数量有所下降,而肱二头肌腱固定术的数量有所增加。虽然有些人可以通过非手术方式管理病情,但其他人可能会面临持续性疼痛或功能受限。需要翻修手术的风险因素包括年龄超过 40 岁、女性、肥胖、吸烟或患有肱二头肌腱炎。
总体而言,预后令人鼓舞。无论您是年轻活跃还是中年,现代技术都为管理您的症状提供了可靠的方法。您的外科医生将帮助您权衡早期恢复活动的好处与所需的愈合时间。通过适当的护理,大多数患者能恢复肩膀的使用功能,并重返他们热爱的活动。
何时就诊
如果您有持续不缓解的肩部疼痛,即使休息后也未改善,请寻求专科医生评估。如果出现无力、不稳,或肩部出现卡住或脱位感,请及时就医。如果症状影响您的睡眠或工作,请咨询全科医生。疼痛突然加重也是寻求医疗帮助的理由。请注意,SLAP 损伤的症状可能与其他问题(如撞击综合征或肩袖问题)相似。诊断不应仅依赖临床检查。如果怀疑有钙化性肌腱炎,您的外科医生将检查是否合并存在 SLAP 损伤。早期评估有助于确定二头肌腱固定术等手术是否适合您的具体损伤。
Evidence & references
Overview
- Both arthroscopic repair and biceps tenotomy and tenodesis interventions had benefits in type II SLAP lesions [1].
- Biceps tenodesis is a safe, effective, and technically straightforward alternative to primary SLAP repair in patients with type II and IV SLAP tears [4].
- SLAP repairs are generally favored in younger, active patients [6].
- Treating the biceps is preferred in lower-demand patients aged >30 years [6].
- Biceps tenodesis has been increasingly used for the management of SLAP lesions [7].
- Recent studies report high rates of return to sport, high satisfaction, and good to excellent patient-reported outcomes with biceps tenodesis in carefully selected athletes [7].
- SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis both present viable treatment options but come with specific advantages and disadvantages [8].
- The decision between SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis is ultimately made individually with the patient [8].
- Primary subpectoral open biceps tenodesis for SLAP tears or pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon provides significant improvement in shoulder outcomes [9].
- Primary subpectoral open biceps tenodesis for SLAP tears or pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon provides a reliable return to activity level with low risk for complications [9].
- Biceps tenodesis is a predictable, safe, and effective treatment for failed arthroscopic SLAP tears at a minimum 2-year follow-up [10].
- Treatment of proximal biceps pathology is largely based on expert opinion and patient preferences rather than robust randomized evidence [20].
- Primary biceps tenodesis offers increased effectiveness when compared with both primary SLAP repair and nonoperative treatment [24].
- Primary biceps tenodesis has lower costs than primary SLAP repair [24].
- The indications and technique of biceps tenodesis in the elite pitcher still need to be defined [26].
- High-demand patients with biceps tendonitis in the setting of a SLAP lesion with labral instability who undergo combined tenodesis and labral repair have significantly worse outcomes than patients who undergo either isolated labral repair for type II SLAP tears or isolated biceps tenodesis for a SLAP tear and biceps tendonitis [44].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology
- Understanding the function and pathology surrounding the teres minor is paramount in comprehensive management of patients with shoulder pathology [12].
- In the context of rotator cuff disease, the etiology of anterior shoulder pain with macroscopic changes in the biceps tendon is related to the complex interaction of the tendon and surrounding soft tissues, rather than a single entity [17].
- Biomechanical studies indicate that the long head of the biceps contributes to stability of the glenohumeral joint in all directions [28].
- In vivo studies have not yet established the stabilizing effect of the long head of the biceps on the glenohumeral joint [28].
- The physiologic load required for the long head of the biceps to stabilize the glenohumeral joint remains unknown [28].
- The long head of the biceps has a pertinent biomechanical role in glenohumeral stability regardless of the condition of the superior labrum [32].
- Validity for strength testing of the serratus anterior muscle is optimal with subjects in a seated position and the shoulder flexed at 90° in the scapular plane [33].
- Treatment of scapular dyskinesis is directed at managing underlying causes and restoring normal scapular muscle activation patterns by kinetic chain–based rehabilitation protocols [35].
- Both proposed superior labral reconstruction techniques increased the force needed for humeral head superior migration in the setting of a labral tear [36].
- The long head of the biceps tendon serves as a source of local autograft with biological and biomechanical properties that aid outcomes of complex primary and revision shoulder surgery procedures [40].
- Potential prognostic variables associated with final subscapularis strength remain elusive [42].
- The ultimate load to failure and stiffness for unicortical button fixation and the compared method in proximal subpectoral biceps tenodesis were not different [43].
Classification
- Arthroscopic repair and biceps tenotomy/tenodesis both provide benefits for type II SLAP lesions [1].
- Calcific tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii at its origin may be associated with a concurrent SLAP lesion [2].
- A positive subpectoral biceps test is associated with gross pathologic changes of the biceps in 93% of patients [3].
- Biceps tenodesis is a safe, effective, and technically straightforward alternative to primary SLAP repair for type II and IV SLAP tears [4].
- Biceps tenodesis yields consistent and reliable results for operative treatment in overhead athletes, whereas return to play after SLAP repair can be unpredictable [5].
- SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis are both viable treatment options with specific advantages and disadvantages, with the decision made individually with the patient [8].
- Appropriate treatment for biceps pathology, whether conservative or surgical, should be based on established pathology [11].
- There is no single pattern of pain that distinguishes biceps conditions from other shoulder abnormalities [16].
- In the context of rotator cuff disease, the etiology of anterior shoulder pain with macroscopic changes in the biceps tendon is related to the complex interaction of the tendon and surrounding soft tissues rather than a single entity [17].
- Biceps tenodesis may be considered a valid primary or revision surgery for symptomatic type II SLAP tears due to no detrimental effect on glenohumeral stability [21].
- Biceps tenodesis remains a reliable treatment for pathologic abnormality of the long head of the biceps [50].
Clinical Presentation
- A positive subpectoral biceps test was associated with gross pathologic changes of the biceps in 93% of patients [3].
- There is no single pattern of pain that distinguishes biceps conditions from other shoulder abnormalities [16].
- In the context of rotator cuff disease, the etiology of anterior shoulder pain with macroscopic changes in the biceps tendon is related to the complex interaction of the tendon and surrounding soft tissues, rather than a single entity [17].
- Diagnosis of long head biceps tendon and subscapularis pathology in association with shoulder rotator cuff pathology can be challenging due to limitations in MRI and arthroscopic visualization [22].
- Surgeons should maintain a high level of suspicion and utilize specific techniques to prevent missing pathology when diagnosing long head biceps tendon and subscapularis pathology in association with shoulder rotator cuff pathology [22].
- The concomitant presence of SLAP and pulley lesions is significantly rare, occurring in only about 10% of all patients with SLAP and pulley lesions [25].
- If calcific tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii at its origin is suspected, it may be helpful to consider the presence of a concurrent SLAP lesion and its management [2].
- A 10.1% incidence of subsequent surgery after isolated SLAP repair was identified, often related to an additional diagnosis [14].
- Clinicians should consider other potential causes of shoulder pain when considering surgery for patients with SLAP lesions [14].
Investigations
- A positive subpectoral biceps test was associated with gross pathologic changes of the biceps in 93% of patients [3].
- There is no single pattern of pain that distinguishes biceps conditions from other shoulder abnormalities [16].
- Biceps tendon pain in the absence of tears is associated with microscopic changes consistent with tendinopathy, which are often missed by MRI [46].
- MRI and intraoperative assessment did not show significant structural abnormalities within the tendon despite significant histopathologic changes in patients with chronic long head biceps tendinopathy undergoing open subpectoral tenodesis [19].
- Most abnormal MRI findings were not different in frequency between symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders [47].
- Bicipital groove morphology measured by MRI has no correlation to intra-articular biceps tendon pathology [48].
- Preoperative MRI scans of the shoulder interpreted by orthopaedic surgeons with a systematic approach resulted in improved accuracy in diagnosing subscapularis tendon tears compared with previous studies [51].
- Diagnosis of long head biceps tendon and subscapularis pathology in association with shoulder rotator cuff pathology can be challenging due to limitations in MRI and arthroscopic visualization [22].
- In approximately 80% of intra-articular biceps tears evaluated, a 'hidden lesion' was observed going beyond the bicipital groove and extending to the distal extra-articular portion [55].
- The myotendinous junction (MTJ) of the biceps begins further proximal than may be appreciated intraoperatively [56].
- If calcific tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii at its origin is suspected, it may be helpful to consider the presence of a concurrent SLAP lesion [2].
- Clinicians should consider other potential causes of shoulder pain when considering surgery for patients with SLAP lesions, as there is a 10.1% incidence of subsequent surgery after isolated SLAP repair often related to an additional diagnosis [14].
Treatment
Operative Management: SLAP Repair vs. Biceps Tenodesis/Tenotomy
- Both arthroscopic repair and biceps tenotomy and tenodesis interventions had benefits in type II SLAP lesions [1].
- Biceps tenodesis is a safe, effective, and technically straightforward alternative to primary SLAP repair in patients with type II and IV SLAP tears [4].
- For operative treatment, biceps tenodesis has consistent and reliable results, whereas return to play after SLAP repair can be unpredictable [5].
- SLAP repairs are generally favored in younger, active patients, whereas treating the biceps is preferred in lower-demand patients aged >30 years [6].
- Biceps tenodesis has been increasingly used for the management of SLAP lesions, with recent studies reporting high rates of return to sport, high satisfaction, and good to excellent patient-reported outcomes in carefully selected athletes [7].
- SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis both present viable treatment options but come with specific advantages and disadvantages, with the decision ultimately made individually with the patient [8].
- Increased patient age correlates with the likelihood of treatment with biceps tenodesis or tenotomy versus SLAP repair [13].
- Primary biceps tenodesis offers increased effectiveness when compared with both primary SLAP repair and nonoperative treatment and lower costs than primary SLAP repair [24].
- The treatment option of biceps tenodesis is an appealing alternative to SLAP repair, but the indications and technique of biceps tenodesis in the elite pitcher still need to be defined [26].
Biceps Tenodesis vs. Tenotomy
- Treatment of proximal biceps pathology is largely based on expert opinion and patient preferences rather than robust randomized evidence [20].
- Patients undergoing treatment for LHBT or SLAP pathology with either biceps tenodesis or tenotomy can be expected to experience similar improvements in patient-reported and functional outcomes [23].
- Patient age should not be used as the sole criterion when deciding between biceps tenotomy and tenodesis [49].
Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis Outcomes
- Primary subpectoral open biceps tenodesis for SLAP tears or pathology of the LHBT provides significant improvement in shoulder outcomes with a reliable return to activity level with low risk for complications [9].
- Short-term follow-up of 20 procedures has not shown any failure of fixation or residual biceps discomfort [15].
- Subpectoral biceps tenodesis utilizing a dual suture anchor technique is a treatment option for SLAP lesions, partial thickness tears, subluxation, and tenosynovitis of the long head of the biceps with high rates of postoperative patient satisfaction, a low failure rate, and improved outcome scores [31].
- Biceps tenodesis is a predictable, safe, and effective treatment for failed arthroscopic SLAP tears at a minimum 2-year follow-up [10].
- Although revision to subpectoral biceps tenodesis may be an effective strategy to address failed prior biceps surgery, the potential complication of persistent pain must be emphasized [54].
Nonoperative Management
- Appropriate treatment for biceps pathology, whether conservative or surgical, should be based on established pathology [11].
- Diagnosis and nonoperative management of long head of biceps tendon disorders are categorized as inflammation, instability, and rupture, requiring specific protocols [41].
Associated Pathology
- If calcific tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii at its origin is suspected, it may be helpful to consider the presence of a concurrent SLAP lesion and its management [2].
Complications
- A positive subpectoral biceps test was associated with gross pathologic changes of the biceps in 93% of patients [3].
- The incidence of subsequent surgery after isolated arthroscopic SLAP repair is 10.1% [14].
- Subsequent surgery after isolated SLAP repair is often related to an additional diagnosis [14].
- Risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair include age >40 years [18].
- Risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair include female sex [18].
- Risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair include obesity [18].
- Risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair include smoking [18].
- Risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair include diagnosis of biceps tendinitis or long head of the biceps tearing [18].
- Short-term follow-up of 20 procedures using an all-suture anchor fixation for subpectoral biceps tenodesis has not shown any failure of fixation [15].
- Short-term follow-up of 20 procedures using an all-suture anchor fixation for subpectoral biceps tenodesis has not shown any residual biceps discomfort [15].
- In patients with chronic long head biceps tendinopathy undergoing open subpectoral tenodesis, MRI and intraoperative assessment did not show significant structural abnormalities within the tendon despite significant histopathologic changes [19].
Recovery
- Arthroscopic repair and biceps tenotomy/tenodesis both provide benefits for type II SLAP lesions [1].
- Biceps tenodesis is a safe, effective, and technically straightforward alternative to primary SLAP repair for type II and IV SLAP tears [4].
- Biceps tenodesis yields consistent and reliable results for operative treatment in overhead athletes, whereas return to play after SLAP repair can be unpredictable [5].
- Biceps tenodesis is increasingly used for SLAP lesions, with recent studies reporting high rates of return to sport, high satisfaction, and good to excellent patient-reported outcomes in carefully selected athletes [7].
- SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis are both viable treatment options with specific advantages and disadvantages, with the decision made individually with the patient [8].
- Primary subpectoral open biceps tenodesis for SLAP tears or long head of the biceps pathology provides significant improvement in shoulder outcomes, reliable return to activity level, and low risk for complications [9].
- Biceps tenodesis is a predictable, safe, and effective treatment for failed arthroscopic SLAP tears at a minimum 2-year follow-up [10].
- Increased patient age correlates with the likelihood of treatment with biceps tenodesis or tenotomy versus SLAP repair [13].
- There is a 10.1% incidence of subsequent surgery after isolated SLAP repair, often related to an additional diagnosis [14].
- Short-term follow-up of 20 procedures using an all-suture anchor fixation for subpectoral biceps tenodesis showed no failure of fixation or residual biceps discomfort [15].
- Risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair include age >40 years, female sex, obesity, smoking, and diagnosis of biceps tendinitis or long head of the biceps tearing [18].
- Biceps tenodesis may be considered a valid primary or revision surgery for symptomatic type II SLAP tears due to no detrimental effect on glenohumeral stability [21].
- Superior clinical outcomes are seen in nonsmokers, those with only 1 tendon affected, and those who undergo tenotomy instead of tenodesis for a damaged long head of biceps tendon [58].
Key Evidence
- [L1] Both arthroscopic repair and biceps tenotomy and tenodesis interventions had benefits in type II SLAP lesions. [1] (10.1186/s13018-019-1096-y)
- [L4] The authors conclude that if calcific tendinitis of the long head of the biceps brachii at its origin is suspected, it may be helpful to consider the presence of a concurrent SLAP lesion and its management. [2] (10.1007/s00167-007-0323-y)
- [L3] A positive subpectoral biceps test was associated with gross pathologic changes of the biceps in 93% of patients. [3] (10.1016/j.arthro.2019.02.017)
- [L4] Based on these results, biceps tenodesis is a safe, effective, and technically straightforward alternative to primary SLAP repair in patients with type II and IV SLAP tears. [4] (10.1177/0363546514540273)
- [L5] For operative treatment, biceps tenodesis has consistent and reliable results, whereas return to play after SLAP repair can be unpredictable. [5] (10.1016/j.csm.2015.08.009)
- [L5] SLAP repairs are generally favored in younger, active patients, whereas treating the biceps is preferred in lower-demand patients aged >30 years. [6] (10.1016/j.jse.2024.09.040)
- [L5] Biceps tenodesis has been increasingly used for the management of SLAP lesions, with recent studies reporting high rates of return to sport, high satisfaction, and good to excellent patient-reported outcomes in carefully selected athletes. [7] (10.5435/jaaos-d-21-01199)
- [L5] SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis both present viable treatment options but come with specific advantages and disadvantages, with the decision ultimately made individually with the patient. [8] (10.1016/j.arthro.2019.02.026)
- [L4] Primary subpectoral open biceps tenodesis for SLAP tears or pathology of the LHBT provides significant improvement in shoulder outcomes with a reliable return to activity level with low risk for complications. [9] (10.1016/j.arthro.2019.06.035)
- [L4] Biceps tenodesis is a predictable, safe, and effective treatment for failed arthroscopic SLAP tears at a minimum 2-year follow-up. [10] (10.1177/0363546513520122)
- [Paper] The article outlines that appropriate treatment for biceps pathology, whether conservative or surgical, should be based on established pathology. [11] (10.1016/j.csm.2009.12.003)
- [L5] Understanding the function and pathology surrounding the teres minor is paramount in comprehensive management of the patient with shoulder pathology. [12] (10.5435/jaaos-d-15-00258)
- [L3] Increased patient age correlates with the likelihood of treatment with biceps tenodesis or tenotomy versus SLAP repair. [13] (10.1177/0363546514534939)
- [L3] We identified a 10.1% incidence of subsequent surgery after isolated SLAP repair, often related to an additional diagnosis, suggesting that clinicians should consider other potential causes of shoulder pain when considering surgery for patients with SLAP lesions. [14] (10.1016/j.arthro.2016.01.053)
- [L5] Short-term follow-up of 20 procedures has not shown any failure of fixation or residual biceps discomfort. [15] (10.1007/s00167-014-3348-z)
- [L5] There is no single pattern of pain that distinguishes biceps conditions from other shoulder abnormalities. [16] (10.1016/j.csm.2015.08.004)
- [L4] In the context of rotator cuff disease, the etiology of anterior shoulder pain with macroscopic changes in the biceps tendon is related to the complex interaction of the tendon and surrounding soft tissues, rather than a single entity. [17] (10.1016/j.jse.2008.05.044)
- [L3] Risk factors for revision surgery after SLAP repair include age >40 years, female sex, obesity, smoking, and diagnosis of biceps tendinitis or long head of the biceps tearing. [18] (10.1177/0363546517691950)
- [L4] In patients with chronic long head biceps tendinopathy who underwent open subpectoral tenodesis, MRI and intraoperative assessment did not show significant structural abnormalities within the tendon despite significant histopathologic changes. [19] (10.1016/j.arthro.2018.01.021)
- [L5] Treatment of proximal biceps pathology is largely based on expert opinion and patient preferences rather than robust randomized evidence. [20] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002448)
- [L5] Biceps tenodesis may be considered a valid primary or revision surgery for patients suffering from symptomatic type II SLAP tears due to no detrimental effect on glenohumeral stability. [21] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.07.036)
- [L5] Diagnosis of long head biceps tendon and subscapularis pathology in association with shoulder rotator cuff pathology can be challenging due to limitations in MRI and arthroscopic visualization; surgeons should maintain a high level of suspicion and utilize specific techniques to prevent missing pathology. [22] (10.1016/j.arthro.2017.09.005)
- [L1] Patients undergoing treatment for LHBT or SLAP pathology with either biceps tenodesis or tenotomy can be expected to experience similar improvements in patient-reported and functional outcomes. [23] (10.1016/j.jse.2020.11.012)
- [L3] Primary biceps tenodesis offers increased effectiveness when compared with both primary SLAP repair and nonoperative treatment and lower costs than primary SLAP repair. [24] (10.1016/j.arthro.2018.01.029)
- [L4] The concomitant presence of SLAP and pulley lesions is significantly rare, occurring in only about 10% of all patients with SLAP and pulley lesions. [25] (10.1016/j.arthro.2011.01.005)
- [L5] The treatment option of biceps tenodesis is an appealing alternative to SLAP repair, but the indications and technique of biceps tenodesis in the elite pitcher still need to be defined. [26] (10.1016/j.arthro.2018.01.001)
- [L5] Biomechanical studies indicate that the long head of the biceps contributes to stability of the glenohumeral joint in all directions, though in vivo studies have yet to establish this stabilizing effect and the physiologic load required remains unknown. [28] (10.1016/j.arthro.2010.10.014)
- [L4] Subpectoral biceps tenodesis utilizing a dual suture anchor technique is a treatment option for SLAP lesions, partial thickness tears, subluxation, and tenosynovitis of the long head of the biceps with high rates of postoperative patient satisfaction, a low failure rate, and improved outcome scores. [31] (10.1007/s00402-017-2810-z)
- [L5] The long head of the biceps has a pertinent biomechanical role in glenohumeral stability regardless of the condition of the superior labrum. [32] (10.1016/j.arthro.2025.05.022)
- [L4] Validity for strength testing of the serratus anterior muscle is optimal with subjects in a seated position and the shoulder flexed at 90° in the scapular plane. [33] (10.1186/s12891-019-2741-7)
- [L5] Treatment is directed at managing underlying causes and restoring normal scapular muscle activation patterns by kinetic chain–based rehabilitation protocols. [35] (10.5435/00124635-200303000-00008)
- [L5] Both proposed superior labral reconstruction techniques increased the force needed for humeral head superior migration in the setting of a labral tear. [36] (10.1016/j.arthro.2018.08.049)
- [L5] This review examines the role of the LHBT as a source of local autograft, with biological and biomechanical properties, in aiding outcomes of complex primary and revision shoulder surgery procedures. [40] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.04.009)
- [L5] Diagnosis and nonoperative management of long head of biceps tendon disorders are categorized as inflammation, instability, and rupture, requiring specific protocols. [41] (10.1016/j.csm.2015.08.006)
- [L4] Potential prognostic variables associated with final subscapularis strength remain elusive. [42] (10.1016/j.jse.2014.06.042)
- [L5] The ultimate load to failure and stiffness for the two methods were not different. [43] (10.1007/s00167-013-2775-6)
- [L3] High-demand patients with biceps tendonitis in the setting of a SLAP lesion with labral instability who undergo combined tenodesis and labral repair have significantly worse outcomes than patients who undergo either isolated labral repair for type II SLAP tears or isolated biceps tenodesis for a SLAP tear and biceps tendonitis. [44] (10.1007/s00167-015-3774-6)
- [L5] Biceps tendon pain in the absence of tears is associated with microscopic changes consistent with tendinopathy, which are often missed by MRI. [46] (10.1016/j.csm.2015.08.002)
- [L3] Most abnormal MRI findings were not different in frequency between symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders. [47] (10.1016/j.jse.2019.04.001)
- [L1] We do not find any value in bicipital groove morphology measured by MRI as a predictor of biceps tendon or rotator cuff pathology at the time of surgery. [48] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.04.044)
- [L4] Patient age should not be used as the sole criterion when deciding between biceps tenotomy and tenodesis. [49] (10.1016/j.arthro.2016.04.022)
- [L3] Biceps tenodesis remains a reliable treatment for pathologic abnormality of the long head of the biceps. [50] (10.1177/0363546515570024)
- [L3] Preoperative MRI scans of the shoulder interpreted by orthopaedic surgeons with the described systematic approach resulted in improved accuracy in diagnosing subscapularis tendon tears compared with previous studies. [51] (10.1016/j.arthro.2012.04.142)
- [L4] Although this may be an effective strategy to address failed prior biceps surgery, the potential complication of persistent pain must be emphasized. [54] (10.1177/0363546519892922)
- [L4] In approximately 80% of the intra-articular biceps tears evaluated in this study, a 'hidden lesion' was observed going beyond the bicipital groove and extending to the distal extra-articular portion. [55] (10.1177/0363546514554193)
- [L5] The MTJ of the biceps begins further proximal than may be appreciated intraoperatively. [56] (10.1177/0363546513482297)
- [L4] Superior clinical outcomes are seen in nonsmokers, those with only 1 tendon affected, and those who undergo tenotomy instead of tenodesis for a damaged long head of biceps tendon. [58] (10.1016/j.jse.2019.12.011)
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