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. 2022 Jul 22;9(1):70.
doi: 10.1186/s40634-022-00508-5.

Long head of the biceps intra-articular tenotomy using needle arthroscopy under local anesthesia: preliminary results and technical note

Claudio Rosso #  1   2 , Kushtrim Grezda #  3   4   5 , Philipp R Heuberer  6   7   8
Affiliations

Long head of the biceps intra-articular tenotomy using needle arthroscopy under local anesthesia: preliminary results and technical note

Claudio Rosso et al. J Exp Orthop. .

Abstract

Purpose: Arthroscopic isolated biceps tenotomy is a procedure successfully performed in patients with degenerative rotator cuff tears which offers good clinical results. With this article, we describe the technique of biceps tenotomy with needle arthroscopy in local anesthesia and the results of first patients treated from 2018.

Methods: Thirteen patients with irreparable rotator cuff tear treated with arthroscopic needle biceps tenotomy under local anesthesia were included. Constant score and active/passive flexion were recorded preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively.

Results: The average age of the patients was 71 ± 7 year old. All the patients were available for the follow-up. The Constant score significantly improved from pre- to postoperatively (44 ± 8.9 to 63.1 ± 14.2, p < 0.05). Active flexion improved from preoperatively 115 ± 24° to 145 ± 31° postoperatively (p < 0.05), while passive flexion did not significantly improve.

Conclusion: This technique can be safely performed in the elderly patient with irreparable rotator cuff tears and pain refractory to conservative measures.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Sterile setup material. NanoScope (A) connection kit for the compression cuff (B) sterile draping (C) ropivacaine and syringe (D) basic surgical instruments (E) sterile dressing (F)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a) Needle arthroscope with a syringe; b) compression cuff during surgery
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Standard portals. a) Standard posterior portal (A); b) anterior rotator interval portal (E)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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