Ultrasound-guided percutaneous long head of the biceps tenotomy: a novel technique with case report.

Abstract

Lesions of the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon linked with rotator cuff tears can be responsible for considerable shoulder pain and dysfunction [10]. The two most commonly performed procedures for biceps pathology by orthopedic surgeons today are arthroscopic biceps tenotomy and tenodesis. Although the optimal surgical procedure is controversial, there is considerable agreement that operative treatment provides significant pain relief, with no major functional impairment [4]. While ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy of the LHB tendon has been reported in cadavers [7], to our knowledge, no one has successfully reported the procedure in a patient. In the ever-changing health care environment, a less invasive procedure that can be performed without the risks and costs of anesthesia and surgery could be of great benefit. This is particularly important for patients who are not ideal surgical candidates due to comorbid conditions (i.e., cardiac disease, pulmonary insufficiency).