The "Double Lasso-Loop" Technique Used for Arthroscopic Proximal Biceps Tenodesis

Abstract

Disorders of the long head biceps tendon are among the most challenging of shoulder problems to diagnose and manage. In this Technical Note, we introduce an arthroscopic technique for proximal biceps tenodesis high in the groove at the articular margin of the humeral head using a single anchor and 2 self-cinching loops followed by 5 alternating half-hitches to secure the construct. This method is simple and enables stable fixation of the biceps tendon.

Fig 1

Beach chair position with the head of bed in 60° to 70° of elevation and the shoulder in 30° to 40° of flexion with longitudinal traction (right shoulder).

Fig 2

Position of arthroscopic portals (right shoulder). Portal 1, standard posterior portal; portal 2, lateral subacromial portal; portal 3, anterosuperolateral portal; portal 4, anterior (rotator interval) portal.

Fig 3

Arthroscopic visualization of the right shoulder from the lateral subacromial portal with the patient in the beach chair position reveals a full-thickness, crescent-shaped supraspinatus tendon tear. (A) Position of the anchor adjacent to the articular margin of the humeral head in line with the long head biceps tendon. (B) After the anchor is inserted, 2 sutures are exteriorized outside the lateral cannula to be used after the tenodesis to repair the supraspinatus tendon tear. (HH, humeral head; LHB, long head biceps; SS, supraspinatus.)

Fig 4

Cleverhook instrument (DePuy Synthes). (A) Right and left 30° curved configurations with a slim profile to pass down small (6-mm) cannulas. The Cleverhook's unique tip facilitates ease of penetration through the long head biceps tendon. (B) The spring-handle design maintains jaws in a closed position (located on posterior side of instrument) to enable easy retrieval of sutures.

Fig 5

Arthroscopic visualization of the right shoulder from the lateral subacromial portal with the patient in the beach chair position revealing a full-thickness, crescent-shaped supraspinatus tendon tear and exposed humeral head. The anterolateral portal serves as the working portal through which to create the first self-cinching suture loop (i.e., lasso-loop). (A) After 1 suture limb has been shuttled into the joint, the tip of the Cleverhook (DePuy Synthes) is passed through the midportion of the long head biceps tendon. (B) The previously shuttled suture is grasped by using the jaw of the Cleverhook grasper. The suture is pulled back through the long head biceps tendon, but not completely through, leaving a loop of suture exiting the superior surface of the tendon. (C, D) The tip of the Cleverhook is then passed through the loop to grasp the free end of the suture (i.e., the same limb used to create the loop), which is pulled through the loop and tightened to create the lasso-loop. (CH, Cleverhook; HH, humeral head; LHB, long head biceps; LL, lasso-loop; SS, supraspinatus.)

Fig 6

Arthroscopic visualization of the right shoulder from the lateral subacromial portal with the patient in the beach chair position revealing a full-thickness, crescent-shaped supraspinatus tendon tear and exposed humeral head. The anterolateral portal serves as the working portal through which to create the second self-cinching suture loop. (A) A looped grasper is used to shuttle the same suture limb that was used to create the first loop into the joint. (B) The Cleverhook (DePuy Synthes) is passed around the anterior aspect and under the long head biceps tendon. (C, D) The midportion of the suture limb that was previously positioned within the joint is grasped and pulled in the reverse direction, leaving a loop of suture. (E, F) The tip of the Cleverhook is passed through the loop to grasp the free end of the suture (i.e., the same limb used to create the loop), which is pulled through the loop and tightened to create the second self-cinching suture loop. (CH, Cleverhook; HH, humeral head; LHB, long head biceps; SL, suture loop; SS, supraspinatus.)

Fig 7

Arthroscopic visualization of the right shoulder from the lateral subacromial portal with the patient in the beach chair position revealing a full-thickness, supraspinatus tendon tear and exposed humeral head. The anterolateral portal serves as the working portal. (A) A looped suture grasper is used to reposition the second (i.e., lateral) suture loop in close proximity to the medially placed lasso-loop along the length of the long head biceps tendon. (B) An electrocautery device is used to perform the biceps tenotomy, medial to the previously placed suture loops. (C) While the surgeon pulls on the suture end that does not pass through the long head biceps tendon (i.e., the post), the tendon is reduced to the suture anchor. (D) Half-hitch locking knots (i.e., reverse half-hitches or alternating posts) are used to secure the construct with a standard knot pusher. (E+F) The electrocautery device is then used to remove residual medial long head biceps tendon tissue, adjacent to both the tenodesis construct and superior biceps labrum complex. (BLC, biceps labrum complex; EC, electrocautery device; HH, humeral head; KP, knot pusher; LHB, long head biceps; LL, lasso-loop; SG, suture grasper; SS, supraspinatus.)

Fig 8

Illustrations summarizing the steps required to create the first lasso-loop.

Fig 9

Illustrations summarizing the steps required to create the second lasso-loop.