Primary Arthroscopic Repair of a Traumatic Isolated Subscapularis Tendon Rupture in an Adolescent Patient.

Abstract

Subscapularis tendon tears in the pediatric population are most commonly associated with an avulsion fracture of the lesser tuberosity. Isolated subscapularis tendon ruptures are infrequently reported. According to previous reports, the diagnosis of subscapularis tendon injuries in pediatric patients is often delayed and management is typically conservative. When operative management is indicated, an open deltopectoral approach has been used and may include concomitant open reduction and internal fixation of the lesser tuberosity. The authors report the case of a healthy 15-year-old boy who had an isolated subscapularis tendon rupture. During operative management, labral tape sutures were passed through the subscapularis tendon at the junctions of the inferior one-third and superior two-thirds, along with the superior one-third and inferior two-thirds. Both suture limbs were implanted with a 4.75-mm polyetheretherketone suture anchor within the inferior one-third and superior one-third of the lesser tuberosity footprint. A mini-open subpectoral biceps tenodesis was also performed through an axillary incision. By 8 months postoperatively, the patient exhibited normal function with full range of motion and was allowed to return to sport-related activity. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(3):e182-e186.].