The new subclavian portal and modified neviaser portal for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Abstract

Shoulder arthroscopy and the introduction of suture anchors has provided the surgeon with the ability to repair rotator cuff tears through minimal incisions. Rotator cuff repair involves the use of several portals, such as the posterior portal, the anterior portal, the anterior superior portal, the anterior inferior portal, and the Neviaser portal. The authors have developed 2 additional portals, the new Subclavian portal and the modified Neviaser portal, to improve the safety and efficacy of rotator cuff repair and solve a number of problems associated with traditional repair techniques. The subclavian portal is located directly below the clavicle, 1 to 2 cm from the acromioclavicular joint, and instruments are aimed medial to lateral. The modified Neviaser portal changes the angle of insertion of the Neviaser portal. Instruments are aimed 20° from the horizontal plane and 45° anterior, directly at the suture anchor. Repair techniques using each portal were reviewed. Twenty cadaveric shoulders were dissected for each portal and the anatomy from each portal was documented. The cadaveric dissections showed that this portal passes greater than 6 cm from the brachial plexus, musculocutaneous nerve, and subclavian artery and vein, and 4.7 cm from the cephalic vein. The modified Neviaser portal was shown to be safer than the Neviaser portal because it passes on top of the supraspinatous muscle, thereby protecting the suprascapular nerve. These portals provide an optimal angle of approach to the rotator cuff tendon and suture anchor as well as improved safety and efficacy in the repair of rotator cuff tears.