ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of arthroscopic intertubercular groove and open subpectoral tenodesis in treatment of long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) tendinopathy.MethodsA clinical data of 80 patients with LHBT tendinopathy who were admitted between June 2013 and May 2017 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. After cutting LHBT under arthroscopy, the arthroscopic intertubercular groove tenodesis was performed in 40 cases (group A) and open subpectoral tenodesis was performed in 40 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in the gender, age, side of the affected shoulder joint, disease duration, and preoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Constant score, American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (ASES) score, Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, LHBT score (LHBS) between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time and the scores of shoulder joint pain and function at 12 months after operation were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe operation time was (3.6±2.5) minutes in group A and (8.5±2.3) minutes in group B, showing a significant difference (t=18.584, P=0.000). The incisions of the two groups healed by first intention, and there was no complication such as infection or thrombosis. All patients were followed up. The follow-up time was 24-30 months (mean, 26.0 months) in group A and 24-31 months (mean, 26.0 months) in group B. Both Speed test and Yergason test were negative at 3 months after operation. MRI showed that there was no obvious effusion around the LHTB and no dislocation of LHTB. At 12 months after operation, the VAS score, Constant score, ASES score, DASH score, and LHBS score of the two groups all improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the differences before and after operation between the two groups (P>0.05). No Popeye sign appeared during the follow-up.ConclusionThe arthroscopic intertubercular groove and open subpectoral tenodesis can effectively relieve shoulder pain and improve function, but the former has shorter operation time and less trauma.