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Tenodesis and tenotomy of the long head of the biceps are treatment options for a wide range of pathologies without clear superior technique or site of fixation. Clinical outcomes comparing numerous techniques for tenotomy versus tenodesis have resulted in similar pain relief; however, tenotomy may result in a cosmetic “Popeye” deformity and fatigue pain. We present a quick, simple, and knotless technique for tenodesis of the long head of the biceps at the proximal aspect of the bicipital grove that can be completed entirely arthroscopically. This technique uses suture to secure a tenotomized proximal biceps tendon to a knotless anchor just proximal to the subscapularis tendon at the proximal biceps groove. The tensionless repair allows the biceps to scar within the biceps groove, thereby reducing subsidence and formation of a “Popeye'' deformity and fatigue pain in the biceps seen with tenotomy alone while eliminating the ability to overtension.

Distal biceps tendon ruptures are uncommon and generally occur in men aged 30 to 50 years in their dominant arm as a result of a strong eccentric load. Numerous surgical exposures and methods of fixation exist for repair of a ruptured distal biceps tendon. The goal of surgical management is to restore the anatomic footprint of the biceps tendon on the radial tuberosity to maximize flexion strength, supination strength, and muscle endurance. When compared with 2-incision repair techniques, single-incision repairs historically may not have restored the anatomic footprint of the distal biceps. Single-incision repair with the ArthroTunneler is a safe and effective technique that provides the anatomic restoration of a 2-incision approach with the decreased complication profile of a single-incision approach and does not require suture anchors, buttons, screws, or other implants.

Background: Open fibular fixation with plate osteosynthesis as an adjunct to increase stability has been associated with wound complications. Various percutaneous treatment options have been explored, but incompletely evaluated in comparison to one another in terms of rigidity of fixation at the fracture site. Methods: A biomechanical study was performed with 9 pairs of matched cadavers after creation of a suprasyndesmotic fracture model as occurs in association with a tibial pilon fracture. One group in each pair was assigned to threaded screw and the other to smooth pin fixation. Displacement at the fracture site was evaluated before and after cyclic axial and rotational loading with an MTS frame through video dimensional analysis. Results: In vertical loading alone, smooth pin and threaded screw fixation demonstrated no significant difference in displacement and there was no change in performance before and after loading cycles. With external rotation combined with a modest vertical load, screw fixation demonstrated smaller displacements than pin fixation, but the difference was less than 1 mm. Conclusions: The results suggest that both smooth pin fixation and threaded screw fixation can achieve stable fixation in a transverse fibular fracture. There is less motion with use of a threaded screw when loading in axial rotation and external rotation, potentially recommending this option as a more rigid construct for percutaneous fixation of simple fracture patterns.

Recalcitrant osteitis pubis presents a challenging problem for orthopaedic surgeons. Various surgical interventions have been described for treatment, including opening-wedge resection, symphysiodesis, and curettage. We propose that endoscopic pubic symphysectomy offers an effective method of treating such a challenging problem. This article describes in detail the technique used to perform endoscopic pubic symphysectomy, and a companion video demonstrating the procedure is included. Our experience suggests that removal of the interpubic fibrocartilaginous lamina and resection of approximately 1 cm of bone can successfully eliminate all sources of pain and dysfunction caused by the recalcitrant osteitis pubis.

Lateral hip pain along with tenderness of the greater trochanter has been associated with greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Radiographically, this has been associated with gluteus medius pathology on magnetic resonance imaging. This has led some surgeons to conclude that abductor pathology is a primary cause of lateral hip pain. Failure of conservative treatment in the setting of gluteus medius pathology may lead to surgical intervention. In some patients a focal tear of the gluteus medius cannot be visualized and likely represents more diffuse tendinopathy. In these patients we propose micropuncture of the greater trochanter. Similar procedures have shown effectiveness in the elbow and shoulder by eliciting a healing response. Our experience suggests that trochanteric micropuncture at the insertion of the gluteus medius tendon can be effectively performed endoscopically for gluteus medius tendinopathy.

Acetabular notch osteophytes are often encountered during routine diagnostic arthroscopy of the hip. It has been our observation that when notch osteophytes are present, there is often corresponding chondral damage to the anterosuperior femoral head and ligamentum teres degeneration. We propose that removal of the notch osteophyte and decompression of the articulating surface offer an effective method of delaying the progression of arthritis. This article describes in detail the technique used to perform arthroscopic acetabular notchplasty, and a companion video, demonstrating the procedure, is included. Our experience suggests that decompression of the acetabular notch can remove offending structural abnormalities that can potentially cause further chondral damage and may hasten the progression of arthritis.

Labral reconstruction is becoming an important treatment modality for hips with nonsalvageable labra. Nonsalvageable labra can be present in cases of intrasubstance damage, revision surgery after debridement, labral calcification, and hypoplasia. Previous methods of reconstruction have been performed in an open manner and arthroscopically using ligamentum teres, iliotibial band, and gracilis autograft. We present an alternate method of arthroscopic labral reconstruction using capsular autograft. The technique uses readily available capsular tissue during arthroscopy with no donor-site morbidity. This technique may be valuable in appropriately selected patients with labral deficiency.