Keyhole Technique for Tenodesis of the Biceps Tendon

Recently, there have been many articles citing the benefits of tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon for pathology of the proximal portion of that tendon. Tenodesis prevents the “Popeye deformity” of the arm and prevents the cramping pain many patients with biceps tenotomy have complained about. Though many techniques are available, we will present the keyhole technique, one of the simplest techniques with a long track record of success. It is a method to secure the biceps tendon in which the patient’s own tendon is used to provide stable fixation in the bicipital groove. The strength of this fixation method has been proven in the laboratory and clinical setting, allowing for early motion and return to work and sports when tenodesed in an isolated setting.

Keywords: biceps tendon, tenodesis, keyhole