Arthroscopic Repair of an Isolated Subscapularis Tendon Rupture in an Adolescent Patient

Abstract

Arthroscopic repair of an isolated subscapularis tendon rupture has been previously described in the adult population; however, the technique has yet to be described in a pediatric patient. In this Technical Note, we describe an arthroscopic repair of an isolated subscapularis tendon rupture with concomitant mini-open suprapectoral biceps tenodesis in an adolescent patient. Standard anterior and posterior portals are established with an accessory portal in the anterosuperior angle of the acromion. A 0-PDS suture is used to pass strands of suture tape through the inferolateral and superolateral aspects of the subscapularis tendon. Suture tape is passed through a suture anchor and the accessory portal and is fixated at the junction of the inferior one-third and superior two-thirds of the subscapularis tendon footprint and at the junction of the superior one-third and inferior two-thirds of the subscapularis tendon footprint. Following subscapularis tendon fixation, biceps tenodesis is performed through either a mini-open subpectoral or arthroscopic suprapectoral approach. This described technique allows for full visualization of the subscapularis tendon and lesser tuberosity. Additionally, this technique allows for accurate placement of suture anchors to maximize footprint coverage and appropriate graft tensioning.