Arthroscopic Long Head of the Biceps Transposition for Superior Capsular Augmentation Results in Comparable Clinical Outcomes to Arthroscopic Partial Repair for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears.

Purpose: To describe a modified arthroscopic technique of long head of biceps transposition (LHBT) for superior capsular augmentation; to investigate the outcomes and effectiveness of LHBT in patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears; and to compare the results with those of arthroscopic partial repair (APR) after a 2-year minimum follow-up. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of large to massive superior rotator cuff tears. The inclusion criteria were an irreparable rotator cuff with inability of the tendon to reach the original footprint and postoperative follow-up for a minimum of 2 years. We investigated 22 patients followed up for 30.7 months (mean); 10 patients underwent isolated partial repair and 12 patients underwent LHBT combined with partial repair. The acromiohumeral interval (AHI) was measured using anteroposterior radiographs. Cuff integrity was defined using Sugaya's classification 2 years postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were assessed preoperatively and during postoperative follow-up (minimum 2 years) using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and University of California, Los Angeles shoulder rating scales. Results: Postoperative functional scores significantly improved in both groups. In the LHBT group, both American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and University of California, Los Angeles scores significantly improved postoperatively from 52.0 ± 14.6 to 89.3 ± 10.4 points ( Conclusions: Arthroscopic LHBT for irreparable rotator cuff tears showed comparable clinical outcomes and improvement in postoperative AHI compared with APR after a minimum 2-year follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative trial.