Many palliative interventions have been proposed for patients in whom rotator cuff repair is not feasible as a result of advanced fatty infiltration, definitive loss of tendons, and proximal humeral migration. The long head of the biceps tendon has been proposed as a source of pain in patients with rotator cuff tears. This article presents a review of current concepts on the rationale for arthroscopic biceps tenotomy or tenodesis, and evaluates the objective, subjective, and radiographic results of these palliative procedures. On the basis of different studies, it seems that isolated arthroscopic biceps tenotomy or tenodesis is a valuable option for the treatment of rotator cuff tears in selected patients. Although it does not improve shoulder strength, tenotomy or tenodesis reduces pain and improves the functional range of motion with a high degree of patient satisfaction. However, the progressive radiographic changes that occur with long standing rotator cuff tears are not altered.
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