The proximal biceps as a pain generator and results of tenotomy

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.     

Superior labrum anterior posterior lesions of the shoulder: Operative techniques of management

Since the advent of shoulder arthroscopy, pathology of the superior glenoid labrum and biceps anchor has been increasingly recognized as a source of shoulder pain and disability. Additional biomechanical testing has substantiated the role of the superior labrum and biceps anchor in glenohumeral stability. The diagnosis of superior labral injury such as the superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesion remains difficult, as the history, clinical examination, and radiographic evaluation can only raise suspicion. The ultimate diagnosis of the SLAP lesion can only be made with a well-directed diagnostic glenohumeral arthroscopy. The treatment of SLAP lesions depends on the type of SLAP lesion encountered at arthroscopy. This includes debridement of most type I and III lesions, and repair of type II and many type IV SLAP lesions. In this report, we will present our basic approach towards evaluation and treatment of SLAP lesions at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute.     

Subpectoral biceps tenodesis

The long head of the biceps brachii (LHB) tendon has long been recognized as a source of shoulder pain. Surgeons have debated the merits of tenotomy versus tenodesis, open versus arthroscopic approaches, and various fixation methods. This article reviews the clinical findings associated with LHB pathology, describes the operative technique of subpectoral biceps tenodesis, and reviews the current literature related to treatment of the symptomatic LHB tendon. The miniopen subpectoral approach is technically less demanding than purely arthroscopic techniques, and offers the potential for improved pain relief without cosmetic deformity by removing most of the LHB and its associated tenosynovium. As the literature on the topic continues to grow, subpectoral biceps tenodesis has emerged as an effective treatment for pathology of the LHB.     

Superior labrum anterior-posterior lesions: diagnosis with MR arthrography of the shoulder

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in the diagnosis of superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions of the shoulder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1995 to June 1998, MR arthrography of the shoulder was performed in 159 patients with a history of chronic shoulder pain or instability. Fifty-two patients underwent arthroscopy or open surgery 12 days to 5 months after MR arthrography. Diagnostic criteria for SLAP lesion included marked fraying of the articular aspect of the labrum, biceps anchor avulsion, inferiorly displaced bucket handle fragment, and extension of the tear into the biceps tendon fibers. Surgical findings were correlated with those from MR arthrography. RESULTS: SLAP injuries were diagnosed at surgery in 19 of the 52 patients (37%). Six of the 19 lesions (32%) were classified as type I, nine (47%) as type II, one (5%) as type III, and three (16%) as type IV. MR arthrography had a sensitivity of 89% (17 of 19 patients), a specificity of 91% (30 of 33 patients), and an accuracy of 90% (47 of 52 patients). The MR arthrographic classification showed correlation with the arthroscopic or surgical classification in 13 of 17 patients (76%) in whom SLAP lesions were diagnosed at MR arthrography. CONCLUSION: MR arthrography is a useful and accurate technique in the diagnosis of SLAP lesions of the shoulder. MR arthrography provides pertinent preoperative information with regard to the exact location of tears and grade of involvement of the biceps tendon.     

SLAP lesions of the glenoid labrum: CT arthrographic and arthroscopic correlation.

Tears in the superior part of the glenoid labrum in the anterior and posterior directions (SLAP, superior labrum anterior, posterior) result from injuries that place excessive stress on the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle. The intimate relationship of the tendon and the superior glenoid labrum promotes injury to the latter structure. Four types of SLAP lesions are seen at arthroscopy. Images from 17 patients with surgically proved SLAP lesions who had undergone preoperative computed tomographic (CT) arthrography were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the value of CT arthrography in the detection and accurate depiction of these labral injuries. The authors compared the findings at videotaped arthroscopic surgery with those from CT arthrography and found that abnormalities of the labral-capsular apparatus could be detected with CT arthrography in 16 of the 17 patients. Furthermore, the CT arthrographic criteria developed during this review helped determine the type of tear in 15 of the 17 patients. CT arthrography appears to be useful in the evaluation of patients with suspected SLAP lesions.     

Diagnostic performance of MR arthrography in the assessment of superior labral anteroposterior lesions of the shoulder

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MR arthrography in the assessment of superior labral anteroposterior (SLAP) lesions of the shoulder with emphasis on the classification of SLAP lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred sixty-five MR arthrograms including 68 MR arthrograms of patients with arthroscopically proven SLAP lesions of the shoulder and 197 MR arthrograms of patients with an intact superior labrum and biceps anchor were retrospectively reviewed in random order. MR arthrography was performed using triplanar T1-weighted spin-echo sequences and a coronal oblique T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence. MR arthrograms were evaluated by two radiologists with agreement by consensus, and the results were compared with arthroscopic findings. RESULTS: Of 68 SLAP lesions, seven (10%) were arthroscopically classified as type I, 41 (60%) as type II (including 20 type II lesions with coexisting Bankart lesions [29%]), 14 (21%) as type III, and six (9%) as type IV. Compared with arthroscopy as the gold standard, MR arthrography showed a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 98% for the overall detection of SLAP lesions. MR arthrographic grading and arthroscopic grading were concurrent in 45 (66%) of 68 arthroscopic diagnoses. Of the surgically confirmed SLAP lesions, involvement of the biceps insertion and SLAP type II lesions with coexisting Bankart lesions were assessed correctly in 75% and 95% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: MR arthrography is a highly effective method for the detection of SLAP lesions, but this technique is limited in the classification of different types of SLAP lesions. However, for preoperative planning MR arthrography provides accurate information about the stability of the biceps insertion and the presence of associated anteroinferior labral injuries.     

Arthroscopic repair of isolated type II superior labrum anterior–posterior lesion

The effectiveness of arthroscopic repair of type II superior labrum anterior-posterior lesion (SLAP) was unclear as previous studies examined this treatment with patients of combined types of SLAP lesions. To address this research gap, we evaluated the clinical and functional outcomes of arthroscopic repair for 16 patients (mean=24.2, SD=6.5) with clinical evidence of isolated type II SLAP lesion. After having arthroscopic stabilizations with Bioknotless suture anchors (Mitek), the patients were offered post-operative rehabilitation programs (e.g., physiotherapy) for 6 months. The symptoms of SLAP lesion and the functions of the shoulder were assessed pre-operatively and 28-month post-operatively by O'Brien test, Speed test, Yergason test, and University of California at Los Angeles rating for pain and function of the shoulder. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test and McNemar test were employed to analyze the difference between assessment in pre-operation and post-operation phases. The result showed that patients' shoulder functions improved (UCLA Shoulder Score), and symptoms of SLAP lesion reduced (O'Brien test, Speed test, and Yergason test) significantly (P<0.05). Time for returning to play with pre-injury level was in average 9.4 months (range 4-24), and no complication or recurrence was detected. We concluded that arthroscopic repair is an effective operation of type II SLAP lesion with good clinical and functional outcomes; however, athletes with high demand of overhead throwing activities are likely to take longer duration of rehabilitation to attain full recovery.     

Shoulder injuries in overhead athletes. The "dead arm" revisited

The following statements summarize this article: Three distinct categories of Type 2 SLAP lesions exist: (1) anterior, (2) posterior, and (3) combined anteroposterior. Posterior Type 2 SLAP lesions have distinct clinical and anatomic features that distinguish them from anterior Type 2 SLAP lesions. Posterior and combined Type 2 SLAP lesions can be disabling to overhead-throwing athletes because of posterosuperior instability and anteroinferior pseudolaxity. The Jobe relocation test is positive with posterosuperior pain in patients with posterior or combined anterior-posterior Type 2 SLAP lesions and is negative in patients with anterior Type 2 SLAP lesions. Rotator cuff tears are frequently associated with posterior or combined anterior-posterior SLAP lesions, are lesion-location specific, and typically begin from inside the joint as undersurface tears. Repair of posterior SLAP lesions can return overhead-throwing athletes to full overhead athletic functioning. The peel-back mechanism is a likely cause of posterior Type 2 SLAP lesions. To securely repair the posterosuperior labrum to resist torsional peel-back, sulure anchors must be placed posterior to the biceps at the corner of the glenoid. The repair must be protected against external rotation past 0 degree for 3 weeks to avoid undue premature torsional stresses on the repair from the peel-back mechanism. A tight posteroinferior capsule predisposes to Type 2 SLAP lesions in overhead athletes. Shoulders at risk for the dead arm syndrome have a marked loss of internal rotation caused by contracture of the posteroinferior capsule such that less than a 180 degrees arc of rotation is achieved with the arm abducted 90 degrees (the 180 degrees rule). Type 2 SLAP lesions that cause the dead arm syndrome in overhead-throwing athletes are most likely acceleration injuries that occur in late cocking rather than deceleration injuries in follow-through. Rehabilitation of athletes with the dead arm syndrome must include the entire kinetic chain. The root cause of the dead arm syndrome is the Type 2 SLAP lesion.     

Posterosuperior suture granuloma impingement after arthroscopic SLAP repair using suture anchors: a case report

Arthroscopic refixation of the glenoid labrum has become a standard treatment of type II SLAP lesions although postoperative results are not uniformly good due to factors which are yet unclear. We present the case of an active overhead athlete with an intraarticular posterosuperior impingement syndrome arising from a suture granuloma formation complicating the postoperative course after arthroscopic SLAP repair. The symptoms resolved completely following revision arthroscopy during which the granuloma and the permanent sutures were removed. Implant related complications should be considered when patients present with recurrent pain after arthroscopic SLAP repair using suture anchors, in particular during overhead activity.     

上方盂唇前后向撕裂的肩关节MR造影评价

目的 评价肩关节MR造影对上方盂唇前后向撕裂(SLAP损伤)的诊断价值.方法 由2名影像诊断医师独立回顾分析137例经肩关节镜证实的肩关节造影MR图像,判定有无SLAP损伤,并进行分型.SLAP损伤分4型:Ⅰ型为上盂唇毛糙,Ⅱ型为肱二头肌腱盂唇复合体从关节孟撕裂,Ⅲ型为上盂唇桶柄状撕裂,Ⅳ型为上盂唇桶柄状撕裂并同时累及肱二头肌长头腱.计算肩关节MR造影对SLAP损伤的敏感度、特异度和准确度,以及与肩关节镜分型的符合率.采用Kappa统计计算2名影像诊断医师评价的一致性.结果 137例患者中,肩关节镜证实SLAP损伤59例,包括SLAP损伤Ⅰ型6例(10.2%)、Ⅱ型50例(84.7%)、Ⅲ型3例(5.1%).肩关节MR造影的敏感度、特异度和准确度医师甲分别为86.4%(51/59)、78.2%(61/78)和81.8%(112/137),医师乙分别为88.1%(52/59)、84.6%(66/78)和86.1%(118/137).2名影像诊断医师的评价一致性极好(K=0.796).肩关节MR造影与肩关节镜的分型符合率医师甲为83.1%(49/59),医师乙为79.7%(47/59).结论 肩关节MR造影是评价SLAP损伤比较可靠的影像方法.     

Tendinopathy of the tendon of the long head of the biceps

Pathologies of tendon of the long head of the biceps (LHB) are an important cause of shoulder pain. They include tendinopathy, rupture, superior labrum anterior and posterior lesions, pulley tears, and tendon instability. Conservative management of symptomatic LHB tendinopathy is commonly accepted as the first-line treatment. It consists of rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. Biceps tenotomy and tenodesis are the most common surgical procedures to manage both isolated LHB pathology and biceps-glenoid complex tears combined with rotator cuff tears. However, controversy persists about the superiority of one of them because there is no evidence of significant differences in functional scores or patient satisfaction between the 2 techniques. This article provides an overview on biomechanical function of the LHB and current strategies for treatment of LHB disorders.     

Superior labral repair

Advances in shoulder arthroscopy have led to a greater understanding of the importance of lesions of the superior labrum and biceps tendon complex. Diagnosis of superior labrum anterior to posterior tears requires a high index of suspicion and is made by careful attention to the history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance arthrography. The diagnosis is confirmed with arthroscopy. The form of treatment is dependent on the type of tear and the stability of the superior labrum and biceps anchor. Appropriate treatment of the tear and any associated pathologies should lead to reliable improvements in the patient's symptoms. The purpose of this review article is to describe the anatomy, pathophysiology, classification, indications, and surgical technique of arthroscopic repair of superior labral tears. The surgical technique we present involves using 1 anchor with 2 sutures to anchor the superior labrum anterior to posterior tear to the superior glenoid tubercle.     

The proximal biceps tendon: tricks and pearls

The diagnosis and treatment of proximal biceps tendon injuries continue to be a challenge. The difficulty lies on determining if there is isolated biceps pathology versus concomitant rotator cuff tears or instability. Imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging, continue to provide us with the extra tool to help us confirm our suspicion of additional pathology. Symptomatic biceps tendon tears can undergo debridement, tenotomy, or tenodesis if nonoperative measures fail to provide relief. Reports from performing a biceps tenotomy often give similar functional outcomes compared with tenodesis. Cosmetic deformity on the lateral arm may be noted with tenodesis and initial fatigue. Tenodesis may subject the patient to a longer rehabilitation process and increased pain. The decision of which one should be performed lies between the physician and the patient's expectations.     

Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis: Indications and technique

Biceps tendon pathology commonly occurs in combination with other shoulder disorders, such as subacromial impingement and rotator cuff tears. Although the arthroscopic treatment of impingement and rotator cuff tears has previously been reported, arthroscopic biceps tenodesis has rarely been described. In this article, we present our technique of arthroscopic biceps tenodesis, which uses a uniquely designed Bio-Tenodesis screw system. This system allows intra-articular manipulation of the biceps tendon, ensures placement of the tendon into the base of the bone socket, allows insertion of the screw while maintaining the position and tension in the tendon, and ensures an adequate screw-tendon-bone interface.     

Suture anchors and tacks for shoulder surgery, part 1: biology and biomechanics

The development and successful clinical application of suture anchors and tacks have revolutionized the surgeon's ability to secure soft tissues to bone via open or arthroscopic surgical techniques. When used carefully and with proper technique, these devices provide viable options for the repair and reconstruction of many intra-articular and extra-articular abnormalities in the shoulder, including rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, and biceps lesions that require labrum repair or biceps tendon tenodesis. Like many technologies, however, the successful application of these devices requires an understanding of the biology and biomechanics that affect their use in the shoulder as well as knowledge of the factors that can affect subsequent clinical outcomes, including complications.     

Suture anchor and percutaneous intra-articular transtendon biceps tenodesis

Several arthroscopic biceps tenodesis techniques have been described for surgical management of tendonitis and/or partial thickness tears of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon resulting in recalcitrant anterior shoulder pain. This chapter describes an arthroscopic tenodesis using percutaneous intra-articular transtendon technique with suture anchor fixation. The percutaneous technique allows excellent access to the biceps tendon, and the addition of a suture anchor provides superior fixation to isolated soft tissue fixation.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of the long head of the biceps tendon: benefit of coplanar image

PURPOSE: To evaluate coplanar imaging of the long head of the biceps tendon. METHODS: We retrospectively compared coronal oblique magnetic resonance images aligned with the principal supraspinatus tendon and with the intra-articular biceps tendon in 21 patients. Magnetic resonance images were analyzed for lesions depicted, including superior labral anteroposterior (SLAP) tears. Arthroscopic findings were reviewed. RESULTS: Coronal oblique images aligned with intra-articular biceps tendon depicted 18 (86%) of 21 coplanar intra-articular biceps tendons. Coplanar images identified 6 cases of tendinosis, 1 tear, 3 intra-articular ruptures, and 20 (95.2%) of 21 exact origins of the tendon. Arthroscopy revealed 18 SLAP tears. The detection of SLAP lesions between both coronal oblique magnetic resonance images was significantly different (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Advantages included imaging of the intra-articular biceps tendon with least partial-volume effects, definition of SLAP lesions and the tendinous origin at the supraglenoid tubercle, depiction of intra-articular bicipital ruptures, and increased sensitivity and specificity for intra-articular lesions.     

MR arthrographic findings of SLAP lesion type V

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the findings of MR arthrography of the shoulder and to assess the role of MR arthrography in the diagnosis of superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion type V. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed fat-suppressed T1-weighted MR arthrography images of six patients who were diagnosed with SLAP lesion type V by arthroscopy. Each imaging plane, including the transverse, oblique coronal, oblique sagittal, and oblique transverse in abductor external rotation (ABER) position were evaluated for the following three findings: tear of the superior labrum at biceps tendon insertion, Bankart lesion, and continuity of the two former findings. RESULTS: Tear of the superior labrum was shown in all patients on oblique coronal images. Bankart lesion was noted in five patients on the transverse images and in four on the oblique sagittal images. On the oblique transverse images in ABER position, Bankart lesion was shown in all patients. The continuity of the two former findings was noted in three patients on the ABER positioned images. Therefore, three patients could be diagnosed as having SLAP lesion type V by MR arthrography in our series. CONCLUSION: It is difficult to detect all three findings of SLAP lesion type V in one imaging plane, however, a combination of multi-directional images may increase the feasibility of MR arthrography in diagnosing SLAP lesion type V.