The biceps tendon footprint.
BACKGROUND
By arthroscopy, we observed a phenomenon that, according to our knowledge not previously described, we call the "biceps tendon footprint" (BTF)--an area of chondromalacia beside the bicipital groove.


METHODS
We studied 118 shoulder arthroscopies prospectively. We documented whether a BTF could be observed and what the main pathology associated with it was. We used 3 grades of cartilage wear to describe BTF, and we analyzed pathological changes in associated structures (subscapularis, biceps tendon and humeral head).


RESULTS
We found a BTF in 16% of the cases. Associated diagnoses were cuff tears and instabilities, most often multidirectional. We observed all 3 grades of cartilage wear, grade 3 being the commonest. Biceps synovitis occurred more often in the BTF group.


CONCLUSIONS
BTF is not a rare phenomenon. Maltraction of the intraarticular biceps tendon in MDI and cuff tears in addition with biceps synovitis appear to cause BTF.
Sistermann
Roland
R
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Klinikum Dortmund, Beurhausstrasse. 40, DE-44137 Dortmund, Germany. si@schulterinfo.de
D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery