Ultrasound-guided percutaneous long head of the biceps tenotomy.

Abstract

Dear Editor, We would like to discuss on the recent publication of “Ultrasound-guided percutaneous long head of the biceps tenotomy [2].” Greditzer et al. reported a case and mentioned for the usefulness of this technique. In fact, the feasibility of this technique has just been reported by Aly in J. Clin. Ultrasound [4]. Aly et al. noted that “the deep to superficial approach using an arthroscopic hook blade resulted in complete transection [4].” However, Levy et al. reported that this technique was not reliable [4]. According to the report by Levy et al. [4], “iatrogenic lesions of the cartilage of the humeral head, the supraspinatus tendon and the subscapularis tendon” are the unwanted outcome. In fact, to perform tenotomy of the long head of the biceps tendon, there are other alternatives. The good example is the arthroscopic tenotomy [5]. In addition, the outcome of any manipulation, adding to the surgical technique, also depends on “preoperative condition and coexistent subscapularis tears” [5]. Further comparative study of this new technique versus other alternative is suggested.