Long Head of Biceps as an Anterior Dynamic Sling for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Dislocation

Long Head of Biceps as an Anterior Dynamic Sling for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Dislocation

Purpose: To evaluate the functional outcomes of arthroscopic onlay dynamic anterior stabilization (DAS) using the long head of biceps (LHB) tendon for treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability (AGI) with limited to subcritical glenoid bone loss (GBL).

Twenty-five patients underwent arthroscopic DAS using LHB between March 2022 and October 2022 for treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability (AGI) with limited to subcritical glenoid bone loss (GBL) were included in a prospective study with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. The shoulder functional outcomes were assessed using the Rowe and the Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick DASH) scores both preoperative and at 2 years follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery to evaluate LHB tendon healing to the anterior glenoid.

The inclusion criteria were

• Patients complaining of AGI, with one or more events of anterior shoulder dislocation.
• Associated limited (<13.5%) to subcritical (<25%) GBL.
• Positive anterior shoulder apprehension.

The exclusion criteria were

• Associated critical GBL (≥25%).
• Concomitant LHB lesion or rupture.
• Multidirectional or voluntary shoulder instability.
• Prior arthroscopic shoulder stabilization procedure.
• Concomitant rotator cuff tears.
• Acute proximal humerus fractures of the involved shoulder.