Consider Long Head of Biceps Tendon for Reconstruction of Massive, Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear

Abstract

Despite the different treatment options for irreparable and massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs), there is no optimal treatment. Thirty percent of total RCTs can be classified as irreparable because of the massive tear size and severe muscle atrophy. The reported treatment failure rate is approximately 40% for massive RCTs. RCTs may be treated conservatively or surgically depending on pain, disability, and functional demands. The surgical treatment options are many, but decision making is a challenge; the real challenge is to apply the correct procedure for the correct indication in each patient. The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) was used for augmentation to bridge the gap in immobile, massive RCTs. An arthroscopic biceps-incorporating technique was used for repair of large and massive RCTs, avoiding undue tension on the rotator cuff (RC). Recently, the LHBT was used for superior capsular reconstruction. This article describes the use of the LHBT for reconstruction of massive and irreparable RCTs through the following steps: (1) open exposure of the RCT, (2) debridement and subacromial decompression, (3) biceps tenotomy at the LHBT’s origin on the glenoid, (4) LHBT and RC cuff mobilization, (5) passage of the LHBT through the mobilized RC and reflection onto itself, (6) tuberoplasty, and (7) fixation of the RC complex at the RC footprint.