Shoulder & Elbow · IF 1.5 · Jul 21, 2026 · LoE II
Restoring the anatomic tension relationship of the long head of the biceps during tenodesis: A prospective, randomized controlled trial
This RCT of 160 patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery with biceps tenodesis compared a standard landmark-based tenodesis technique to a newer patient-specific method for restoring the biceps tendon's natural length-tension relationship. At final follow-up (mean 19.6 months), ASES functional scores, pain scores, and range of motion were statistically similar between groups (e.g., ASES mean difference only 2.0 points, p=.604), though the patient-specific group had modestly higher ASES scores at 6 weeks (mean difference 9.1, p=.048) that did not persist.
AI summary · from the full text
Why it mattersSince biceps tenodesis tensioning technique has never had a defined gold standard, this trial helps reassure surgeons that meticulous anatomic tensioning is not required for good long-term outcomes.
Patient-important outcome and 4% loss to follow-up, offset by effect below the MCID on ASES and per-protocol analysis only.