REINFORCEMENT WITH THE LONG HEAD OF THE BICEPS TENDON IN LARGE AND MASSIVE REPAIRABLE ROTATOR CUFF TEARS: A PROSPECTIVE CASE SERIES

REFORÇO COM O TENDÃO DA CABEÇA LONGA DO BÍCEPS EM LESÕES REPARÁVEIS GRANDES E EXTENSAS DO MANGUITO ROTADOR: SÉRIE PROSPECTIVA DE CASOS

ABSTRACT

Introduction  The treatment of large and massive rotator cuff tears remains challenging. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of reinforcement with the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) in patients with large and massive repairable rotator cuff tears.

Methods  This is a prospective case series involving 25 patients who underwent open repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears with LHBT reinforcement. All patients were operated by the same surgeon and followed up for one year.

Results  Pain scores (VAS: 6.6 ± 2.30 vs. 2.68 ± 2.73; p<0.001) and function scores (ASES: 36.86 ± 19.27 vs. 73.96 ± 23.73; p<0.001; UCLA: 13.04 ± 3.83 vs. 26.04 ± 7.39; p<0.001) improved significantly postoperatively compared to preoperatively. The biceps healing rate was 84%, while the rotator cuff retear rate was 60%. No complications related to the biceps or surgical site infections were documented.

Conclusion  Reinforcement with the long head of the biceps tendon in the repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears shows satisfactory clinical outcomes and a low complication rate. Level of Evidence: IV, Case Series.

Keywords:
Rotator Cuff; Shoulder; Tendon Transfer; Autografts