Long Head Biceps Tendon-Natural Patch for Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears.

Abstract

Despite the development in shoulder surgery, massive irreparable rotator cuff tears still remain challenging for orthopaedic surgeons. Many surgical methods are addressed to this kind of pathology, but each of them has its own limitations. We decided to fuse the ideas of superior capsular reconstruction, "GraftJacket" technique, and partial rotator cuff repair. In this way, the technique using the long head biceps tendon simultaneously as a vascularized bridge between rotator cuff remnants and greater tubercle and as a depressor for the humeral head was created. This Technical Note describes the technique.