Arthroscopic Subdeltoid Transfer of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon to the Conjoint Tendon

Alex E White; Matthew R Bryan; Stephen J O'Brien; Samuel A Taylor

doi:10.1016/j.eats.2023.07.060

Arthroscopic Subdeltoid Transfer of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon to the Conjoint Tendon

Arthrosc Tech. 2023 Nov 20;12(12):e2313-e2319. doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2023.07.060. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Authors

Alex E White^{1

2}, Matthew R Bryan³, Stephen J O'Brien^{1

2}, Samuel A Taylor^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, U.S.A.
² Department of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, U.S.A.
³ Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

Abstract

Surgical intervention is often recommended for refractory pathology affecting the biceps-labrum complex. Tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) is a widely accepted treatment modality; however, the optimal technique remains elusive. Arthroscopic subdeltoid transfer of the LHBT to the conjoint tendon, as described in this technical note, continues to demonstrate excellent clinical results. Its advantages include soft tissue-to-soft tissue healing, an advantageous biomechanical construct, and comprehensive evaluation and decompression of the LHBT including the extra-articular bicipital tunnel. The primary limitation of this procedure is the perceived learning curve for safe navigation within the subdeltoid space.