RUPTURE OF THE BICEPS TENDON

A rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon is a common injury, particularly in people who are active in sport or in the context of degenerative changes in the shoulder. The long biceps tendon usually tears where it originates at the upper part of the socket (the labrum). This leads to a loss of strength in the arm and to a characteristic bulge (Popeye sign).

Where conservative measures are not enough, or where the restriction matters functionally, arthroscopic treatment is recommended. The tendon is then either reattached in the region of the upper arm (tenodesis) or – less often – removed permanently (tenotomy).

In a tenodesis the ruptured tendon is grasped through a minimally invasive camera procedure and fixed in a bone tunnel at the head of the upper arm – usually with a screw or a suture anchor. This stabilises the tendon, restores the tension of the muscle and reduces pain.

• Arthroscopic approach to the shoulder
• Exposure and preparation of the tendon stumps
• Fixation in the bicipital groove or further down the arm
• Fixation with a screw, a button or an anchor