The Effect of Age, Gender, and BMI on the Incidence and Satisfaction of a Popeye Deformity Following Biceps Tenotomy or Tenodesis: Outcomes of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Description

This presentation, led by Jarret Woodmass, thanks Ottawa for its collaboration on the study being discussed. The focus of the study is to compare the rates of perceived "popeye" deformity following biceps tenotomy and tenodesis, common procedures for addressing pain and dysfunction of the long head of biceps. The speaker outlines the pros and cons of each procedure: tenotomy is simpler and often faster but carries the risk of deformity and loss of strength, while tenodesis may better preserve function but involves longer surgery time and increased rehabilitation. The study aims to determine not only the incidence of deformity but also predictors for its development and to evaluate both subjective and objective outcomes for patients experiencing it.



The methods described include a sub-study of a larger clinical trial involving 114 patients randomized into two treatment groups. Key outcomes were measured, including the incidence of popeye deformity, patient satisfaction using a visual analog scale (VAS), and strength assessments. Data analysis indicated a significant difference in deformity incidence between tenotomy (33%) and tenodesis (9.5%), with male patients displaying a higher perceived clinical deference. The study found comparable rates of perceived deformity regardless of assessment method, reaffirming the expectation that tenotomy patients would report greater incidences.



The discussion touches on the implications of these findings, noting that only male gender was a significant risk factor for deformity. Increasing patient age was linked to greater satisfaction in self-reported cases of deformity, suggesting that younger patients might benefit more from tenodesis to reduce the likelihood of dissatisfaction with arm appearance. The session concludes with appreciation and an emphasis on the importance of these findings in guiding clinical decisions regarding biceps treatment.

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