Ultrasound guided ultra-minimally invasive long head of the biceps tendon release: Anatomic and cadaver study

The aim of this study was to describe in volunteers and cadavers the location of the vascular structures at risk for performing a new safe and effective ultra-minimally invasive ultrasound guided long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) release. First, with Doppler ultrasound, we defined the position of the acromial artery from our distal cutting point, on the posterior margin of the LHBT. Second, we performed an ultra-minimally invasive ultrasound guided LHBT release in cadavers. We described the stump and reported safety (no rotator cuff, vascular, or articular damages) and efficacy (tendon release rate). In 20 volunteers, the mean distance from the distal cutting point to the acromial artery was 0.9 ± 0.1 cm (range, 0.3-1.6). Ultra-minimally invasive LHBT release was safe and fully effective in the eight specimens. The proximal stump measured a mean of 2.8 cm (range, 1.9-4). There were no complications. A safe and effective ultra-minimally invasive ultrasound guided LHBT release in cadavers is feasible through an anterior approach.