Popeye sign: Tenodesis vs. self-locking "T" tenotomy of the long head of the biceps.

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of long head of the biceps lesions is controversial. A new technique of self-locking "T" tenotomy was developed in our department in 2013.

HYPOTHESIS: The main objective of the present study was to assess onset of Popeye sign after "T" tenotomy, with comparison to long head of the biceps tenodesis.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A continuous retrospective study included 180 patients with long head of the biceps lesion, either isolated or associated with rotator cuff tear.

RESULTS

130 underwent "T" tenotomy (group A), and 50 tenodesis (group B). Mean age was 57.9 years (range, 23-88 years) in group A and 50.8 years (range, 20-66 years) in group B. At last follow-up, 27.7% of patients in group A and 24% in group B showed Popeye sign (P=0.616), after equivalence test and adjustment on age and occupational activity. Bicipital groove pain was more frequent in the tenodesis group (44% versus 25.4%; P=0.025).

DISCUSSION: Self-locking "T" tenotomy did not significantly differ from tenodesis in onset of Popeye sign or clinical results, and showed better postoperative course.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.