Editorial Commentary: The Long Head of the Biceps Tendon Is Useful for Shoulder Reconstruction Including Glenohumeral Stabilization: From Biceps Killers to Biceps Users.

Abstract

Historically, it was believed that the shoulder long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) was a pain generator and had to be routinely sacrificed. Recently, it has become apparent that the LHBT is useful as an autograft for various types of surgical reconstruction, including superior capsular reconstruction for irreparable rotator cuff tears, and augmentation for poor soft-tissue quality during rotator cuff repair or shoulder arthroplasty. In cases of shoulder instability, the biceps can reinforce the capsule or reconstruct a missing labrum for glenohumeral stabilization. Dynamic anterior stabilization transfers the LHBT through the subscapularis to the anterior glenoid margin, creating "sling" and "hammock" effects. Various labral augmentation techniques also have been described. In a paradigm shift, shoulder surgeons may become LHBT users instead of LHBT "killers."