The Proximal Long Head Biceps Tendon (LHBT) Rupture
LHBT Tenodesis for Symptomatic Chronic Ruptures and Revision LHBT Tenodesis
Introduction
Procedure
Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis
Patient History
Patient Examination
Imaging
Treatment Options: Nonoperative and Operative
Surgical Anatomy
Surgical Indications
Surgical Technique Setup
Positioning
Possible Pearls
Possible Pitfalls
The Proximal Long Head Biceps Tendon (LHBT) Rupture: LHBT Tenodesis for Symptomatic Chronic Ruptures and Revision LHBT Tenodesis
Chapter 51
Peter J. Millett, Simon A. Euler, Joshua A. Greenspoon, and Maximilian Petri
Ruptures of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) usually occur in patients with intrinsic tendon degeneration and concomitant rotator cuff tears. Even though nonoperative management is successful in most patients, some patients may suffer from persistent symptoms such as weakness, pain, cramping, and cosmetic deformity. The same symptoms may arise after a surgical biceps tenotomy or after a failed biceps tenodesis. A variety of techniques for biceps tenodesis have been described, including both open and arthroscopic technique with multiple fixation sites and devices.
With the arm abducted and slightly internally rotated, the skin is incised along the axillary crease from 1 cm superior to 3 cm inferior to the inferior border of the pectoralis major tendon. Using the interval between the pectoralis major tendon superiorly and the short head of the biceps inferiorly, the LHBT is retrieved in the bicipital groove, externalized, and whipstitched. A unicortical bone tunnel is reamed in the inferior aspect of the bicipital groove and the tendon is inserted using an interference screw, additionally tying the sutures on top of the screw.