title: Symptomatic chronic long head of biceps rupture: Surgical results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Chronic rupture of the long head of biceps (LHB) tendon is usually asymptomatic. However, some active patients suffer with long-term cramping pain associated with repetitive biceps use. The aim of this study is to review the outcomes of biceps tenodesis performed for chronic LHB ruptures.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective review of 11 consecutive patients who underwent biceps tenodesis for symptomatic chronic LHB ruptures over a 4-year period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 10 men and one woman with an average age at surgery of 41 years (range 23-65). The mean follow-up was 29 months (range 6-60). In five cases a tendon was still identifiable and suitable for repair with an 'in-bone' interference screw. However, in six cases the tendon was not possible to tenodese with an interference screw. In these cases we used an 'on-bone' technique with suture anchors. All, except one, patients reported improvement in their arm pain (78%), strength (74%) and appearance. All, except one, were glad to have had the surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Symptomatic chronic LHB ruptures improve with a biceps tenodesis procedure. Due to the chronicity of the injury and possible degeneration of the tendon, a suitable tendon for 'in-bone' tenodesis may not be possible. In these cases an 'on-bone' footprint repair with suture anchors achieves good results.
  
  
  METHODS
  IV (retrospective case series).
authors.affiliation: Upper Limb Unit, Wrightington Hospital, Hall Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan WN6 9EP, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Chye Yew
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Lennard
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Funk
keywords: Biceps tenodesis; chronic rupture; interference screw; long head of biceps; suture anchor