ABSTRACT
Pathology of the acromioclavicular joint is common and often resistant to conservative treatment, requiring distal clavicle excision for definitive relief. First described as an open technique by Mumford and Gurd in 1941, distal clavicle excision has evolved greatly, with arthroscopic techniques currently predominating. No significant difference has been found in patient satisfaction or rate of complication between the techniques in a recent meta-analysis. Indeed, open excisions are still performed at a high rate, owing to the difficulty in technique and visualization with arthroscopic methods. One major critique of arthroscopic distal clavicle excision is difficulty safeguarding against under- and overexcision of the distal clavicle due to the lack of depth perception and visual reference points of the arthroscopic perspective. This Technical Note and accompanying video describe an indirect subacromial arthroscopic distal clavicle excision using a fluoroscopic Kirschner wire guide placed at the proximal border prior to resection to serve as a visual and mechanical reference to overexcision.
ABSTRACT
Pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon is a known cause of anterior shoulder pain. Current surgical management options include tenotomy and tenodesis. Tenodesis can be performed arthroscopically or as an open procedure. Arthroscopic tenodesis typically uses a suprapectoral attachment, which may fail to address tendon pathology in the bicipital groove. Open tenodesis carries iatrogenic risk to neurovascular structures and a fracture risk while drilling, as well as the morbidity of an open procedure. This technique paper describes a mini-open subpectoral approach using a suture anchor and bone bridge backup for dual fixation. Use of a suture anchor instead of an interference screw reduces drill hole diameter reducing the risk of iatrogenic humeral fracture. Dual fixation provides a robust repair which may be of use for athletic patients desiring an accelerated recovery.
