The long head of the biceps tendon: a valuable tool in shoulder surgery

Abstract

Anatomy and function: The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) has different properties and characteristics that render it a valuable tool in the hands of shoulder surgeons. Its accessibility, biomechanical strength, regenerative capabilities, and biocompatibility allow it to be a valuable autologous graft for repairing and augmenting ligamentous and muscular structures in the glenohumeral joint.

Shoulder surgery applications: Numerous applications of the LHBT have been described in the shoulder surgery literature, including augmentation of posterior-superior rotator cuff repair, augmentation of subscapularis peel repair, dynamic anterior stabilization, anterior capsule reconstruction, post-stroke stabilization, and superior capsular reconstruction. Some of these applications have been described meticulously in technical notes and case reports, whereas others may require additional research to confirm clinical benefit and efficacy.

Conclusion: This review examines the role of the LHBT as a source of local autograft, with biological and biomechanical properties, in aiding outcomes of complex primary and revision shoulder surgery procedures.

Keywords: Tenodesis; anterior stabilization; autograft; biologic augmentation; rotator cuff; subscapularis; superior capsule.