Shoulder Videos: Proximal Biceps/SLAP
Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis With Tenodesis Screw
There are many methods for long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) tenodesis, but a consensus on a superior method has yet to be met. In this article, we introduce a method for arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis using a tenodesis screw in the bicipital tunnel. The intra-articular portion of the biceps tendon is transected. The subdeltoid space is then viewed via a lateral portal, and the tendon is mobilized from the bicipital tunnel. The tendon is retrieved through the anterior portal, and 5 whipstitch passes and a second distal stitch are placed.Technique for Type IV SLAP Lesion Repair
Type IV SLAP tears involve bucket-handle tears of the superior labrum with the tears extending into the biceps tendon. Surgical treatment options involve either primary repair or biceps tenodesis. Recent literature has shown good clinical outcomes after subpectoral biceps tenodesis for the treatment of type II and IV SLAP lesions. The purpose of this article is to present our technique for arthroscopic superior labrum repair with suture anchors and open subpectoral biceps tenodesis with an interference screw.Arthroscopic Coracohumeral Ligament Release for Patients With Frozen Shoulder
Arthroscopic pancapsular release has been recommended for recalcitrant frozen shoulder, but regaining range of motion has not been sufficient compared with the unaffected side. There is no consensus about the reasons for these remaining restrictions in range of motion, but residual capsular or connective tissue must be considered a candidate. A thickened coracohumeral ligament at the rotator interval has been reported as one of the most specific manifestations of frozen shoulder. It covers wider portions of the subscapularis tendon, supraspinatus tendon, and infraspinatus tendon than previously reported.Arthroscopic Repair of Type II SLAP Tears Using Suture Anchor Technique
Arthroscopic SLAP tear repair has become an increasingly used treatment for patients presenting with symptomatic SLAP tears after failed nonoperative management. Debridement, SLAP repair, and open or arthroscopic biceps tenodesis or tenotomy have been used for the treatment of SLAP tears. Various techniques for repair have been described, and furthermore, there is a high incidence of concomitant pathology of the shoulder. Repair remains an excellent option in isolated SLAP tears amenable to repair, with excellent outcomes in well-indicated patients.Consolidated Proximal Biceps Tenodesis and Subscapularis Repair
Pathologic changes to the biceps tendon including subluxation are frequently encountered in patients with subscapularis tears. Operatively managing these combined lesions can be difficult depending on the status of the subscapularis tendon and the degree of biceps medialization. The presented technique is an effective and relatively simple method that simultaneously and efficiently provides for secure tenodesis of the biceps and fixation of subscapularis tendon detachment.An All-Arthroscopic, Length-Tensioned Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis Technique
Biceps tenodesis remains a popular choice for treating anterior shoulder pain in the setting of primary biceps tendinitis or biceps pain due to concomitant glenohumeral joint pathology. A variety of surgical approaches and fixation construct options are available for biceps tenodesis. The advantages of an all-arthroscopic biceps tenodesis include anatomic maintenance of the length-tension relation with strength preservation and improved cosmetic results. This technique can be technically challenging but allows for a minimally invasive approach to anchor the biceps.Mini-open Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis Using a Suture Anchor
The long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon is a potential source of shoulder pain encountered by orthopaedic surgeons. A multitude of approaches to addressing LHB tendinopathy have been described. These include various surgical techniques such as tenodesis versus tenotomy, an arthroscopic versus an open approach, and differing methods of tenodesis fixation. Our preferred approach to addressing LHB tendinopathy is through a mini-open approach using a double-loaded 4.5-mm suture anchor. This Technical Note with accompanying video describes our technique for performing this procedure, as well as supporting clinical evidence and technical pearls.Identifying and Exposing the Proximal Biceps in Its Groove: The “Slit” Technique
Proximal biceps tendon pathology is a common source of shoulder symptoms. Thus, visualization of the entire extent of the biceps tendon is often required for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Accurately recognizing the presence and extent of biceps pathology intraoperatively is made more difficult, however, due to the extra-articular location of a significant portion of the biceps tendon as it courses within the bicipital groove. Unfortunately, identification of the biceps groove in the subacromial space is often challenging due to the lack of visual and tactile landmarks.Arthroscopic Repair of a Circumferential 360° Labral Tear
Injuries to the glenoid labrum can result in shoulder instability and pain. These lesions may occur anywhere around the glenoid labrum, and thus, the arthroscopist must be prepared to approach all aspects of the glenoid from multiple angles. The pan-labral or circumferential (360°) tear of the glenoid labrum presents a unique challenge to even the experienced arthroscopist. The extent of the lesion requires the use of accessory portals and percutaneous techniques to establish adequate visualization and to facilitate the proper trajectory for anchor placement.Biceps Tenodesis: Anatomic Tensioning
Biceps tenodesis is a commonly employed surgical intervention for refractory symptoms related to the biceps-labral complex, those intra-articular and those within the extra-articular bicipital tunnel. While a litany of surgical techniques exists, the optimal method for ensuring an anatomic length-tension relationship during tenodesis remains elusive. Appropriate tensioning may limit undesirable outcomes such as cramping or cosmetic deformity. We describe herein our technique as a simple and efficient means to establish patient-specific, anatomic tensioning of the long head of the biceps during tenodesis.Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis Using an Expanding PEEK Device
In this Technical Note, we describe a method of mini-open long head biceps subpectoral tenodesis. The implant used is a threadless expanding PEEK (polyether ether ketone) interference device that fixes the biceps tendon in a drill hole in the humerus under the inferior border of the pectoralis major tendon. The diameter of the drill hole varies between 6 and 8 mm depending on the width of the tendon. The procedure can be performed through a 3-cm incision centered on the inferior border of the pectoralis tendon.Long Biceps Subpectoral Tenodesis With Suspensory Button and Bicortical Fixation
Tenodesis of the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon has long been recognized as a valid alternative to address pathologic conditions of this tendon. However, the location and type of fixation is still a matter of discussion, because common complications associated with this procedure include failure of the repair, persistent pain, reaction to the fixation device, cosmetic deformity, and fracture. The authors describe a method of subpectoral LHB tenodesis that aims to preserve bone stock and allows a strong, easy, and reproducible type of fixation with a minimal approach.Arthroscopic Transtendinous Biceps Tenodesis With All-Suture Anchor
There are several methods for long head of the biceps (LHB) tenodesis, yet the optimal option is still debatable. Here we introduce a technique for arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis with an all-suture anchor, the transtendinous biceps tenodesis technique. The LHB tenodesis is performed by using the Y-Knot anchor (1.3-mm). A standard suprapectoral approach is used for the tenodesis. A 1.3-mm drill bit is used to drill through the midportion of the biceps tendon and underlying bone to make a pilot hole.A Modification of the Active Compression Test for the Shoulder Biceps-Labrum Complex
The active compression test (O'Brien Sign) is widely used by physicians to aid in the diagnosis of biceps-labrum complex disease. This maneuver has been particularly criticized in the literature, however, with regard to interobserver reliability. Criticisms may in fact stem from inaccurate and inconsistent practice of the examination maneuver, stemming from both patient- and physician-related errors. In this Technical Note, we introduce an easy modification to the O'Brien Sign that limits such errors and improves test uniformity.A Simple, All-Arthroscopic, Knotless Suture Lasso Loop Technique for Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis
A variety of pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon can contribute to anterior shoulder pain in adults that can be managed with either arthroscopic tenotomy or tenodesis when conservative treatment fails. Biceps deformity or the Popeye sign is a major concern in patients after tenotomy. Biceps tenodesis can be performed in a variety of ways with different sized anchors and at different locations (suprapectoral or subpectoral). Several studies have shown that patient outcomes and complication rates are similar between all-arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis and open subpectoral biceps tenodesis.The Wiese Knot: A Sliding-Locking Arthroscopic Knot
Despite recent advances in knotless suture devices for arthroscopic surgical procedures, arthroscopic knot tying remains a necessary skill for the arthroscopic surgeon. Successful completion of arthroscopic knot tying relies on a thorough understanding of the chosen technique, proper suture management, adequate knot tensioning and securement, and the ability to reproducibly create the knot. We introduce a technique that serves as both a sliding and locking knot while being simple to master and reproducible to perform.Biceps Tenoscopy: Arthroscopic Evaluation of the Extra-articular Portion of the Long Head of Biceps Tendon
The recent literature shows that imaging modalities, physical examination tests, and glenohumeral arthroscopy all have low sensitivities and specificities with respect to the diagnosis of the long head of biceps tendon pathology. Biceps tenoscopy is a strategy that aims to reduce the rate of missed diagnoses by improving visualization of the extra-articular part of the tendon. This is an area of predilection of pathology that is not adequately visualized with conventional arthroscopic techniques.Bridge Tenodesis: A Secure Fixation Technique for Biceps Long Head Tendinopathy During Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Using a Suture-Bridge Technique
Tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps is often found as an intra-articular pathology in the glenohumeral joint. Because long head of the biceps lesions are common, surgical intervention to properly manage the long head of the biceps has become an important issue. Both tenodesis and tenotomy have been shown to provide benefits in biceps long head tendinopathy. But because of concerns about muscle power reduction, cramping, and “Popeye's deformity,” which may result from biceps tenotomy, biceps tenodesis is a good option for treating biceps lesions.Reverse Flipping Technique: An Alternate Approach to Tie Reversing Half-Hitches on Alternating Posts
Arthroscopic knot tying requires practice and attention to detail, especially tying the 3 reversing half-hitches on alternating posts (RHAPs) in a knot. Mistakes can occur that result in an unintentional tension (>10 N) applied to the wrapping suture limb, and by placing tension in the wrong limb, the previously “flipped” half-hitch is converted from a series of RHAPs into a series of identical half-hitches on the same post, thereby producing insecure knots or suture loops. This was hypothesized to be a source of knot failure by knot slippage.Tenoscopic Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis
Existing arthroscopic techniques of proximal biceps tenodesis may be complicated by difficulty of tendon identification, restoration of length-tension relation, cosmetic deformity, persistent biceps pain, and shoulder stiffness requiring surgical revision in a relevant proportion of cases. In this context, biceps tenoscopy, an emerging discipline of shoulder endoscopy, offers major benefits. Tenoscopy comprises endoscopic treatment of tendons and tendon sheaths. The presented technique of tenoscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis (TSBT) substantially facilitates tendon identification and reduces invasiveness by avoidance of unnecessary surgical involvement of the deltoid space and bursa.A Percutaneous Knotless Technique for SLAP Repair
We describe a percutaneous technique for repair of type II SLAP lesions. Through the Neviaser portal, a spinal needle is used to pass a FiberStick suture (Arthrex, Naples, FL) through the labrum to create 2 mattress sutures that are secured with PushLock anchors (Arthrex). This technique is simple, reproducible, and knotless and requires no cannulas. At the end of the procedure, minimal suture material remains in the joint.All-Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis
Biceps tenodesis is a common treatment for pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon. Several authors have described various arthroscopic and open techniques for biceps tenodesis. Open techniques have been associated with complications such as wound infection and nerve injury. Previously described arthroscopic techniques have placed the tenodesis site within the bicipital groove, which may lead to persistent pain. We describe an all-arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis technique that places the tenodesis site distal to the bicipital groove.Simplified Knotless Mattress Repair of Type II SLAP Lesions
Arthroscopic repair of lesions of the superior labrum and biceps anchor has been shown to provide good to excellent results. We describe a simplified arthroscopic surgical technique using a single knotless anchor with a mattress suture configuration. This technique provides an effective and reproducible method to reattach and re-create the normal appearance of the superior labrum and biceps anchor in a time-efficient manner without the need for knot tying.The Double-Pulley Anatomic Technique for Type II SLAP Lesion Repair
The annual incidence and number of repairs of SLAP lesions in the United States are constantly increasing. Surgical repairs of type II SLAP lesions have overall good success rates. However, a low satisfaction rate and low rate of return to preinjury level of play remain a challenge with elite overhead and throwing athletes. Recent anatomic studies suggest that current surgical techniques over-tension the biceps anchor and the superior labrum. These studies suggest that restoration of the normal anatomy will improve clinical outcomes and sports performance.A Knotless Labro-Bicipital Repair Technique for SLAP Lesions
Fixation methods for SLAP lesions are still controversial, and the strength of the fixation, suture and knot irritation, and placement and number of anchors are still being discussed. This uncertainty is directly related to the function and anatomy of the superior labrum and attached biceps. Knotless fixation methods close to the biceps anchorage at the 12-o'clock position are favored in recent literature. We describe a practical SLAP repair technique, with a mattress configuration through the biceps anchorage, using a single knotless anchor.
