Modified keyhole technique for the treatment of biceps long head tendon rupture

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess a novel modified keyhole fixation technique to treat long head of biceps (LHB) rupture. From May 2015 to July 2017, a total of 9 patients with LHB rupture, decreased muscle strength and pop-eye sign were treated using the keyhole fixation technique combined with extramedullary cortical bone microplate-suspending fixation. Measurements of visual analog scale (VAS) score, elbow joint rotation, flexion strength, the Shoulder Score of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Rating Scale of American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score were used to evaluate surgical outcomes prior to and following surgery. The 9 patients with LHB rupture included in the study were followed up for one year post-surgery. The supination and flexion elbow strength of all patients after 1 year was grade V and shoulder pain was relieved. The VAS, UCLA shoulder and ASES scores at one year post-surgery were significantly improved compared with those prior to surgery. In conclusion, modified keyhole fixation for LHB rupture features low difficulty of operation, high safety and reliable fixation, and is therefore a promising novel technique for the treatment of LHB rupture.