title: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy of the long head of the biceps tendon: a non-reliable technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy of the long head of the biceps tendon via a keyhole incision.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was an anatomical study performed on twelve embalmed cadaveric shoulder joints. The rotator cuff and the position of the long head of the biceps tendon were explored by ultrasound prior to beginning the procedure. The biceps tenotomy was performed under ultrasound guidance by a highly experienced sonographer who was trained in shoulder tendon exploration. Arthroscopic exploration of the shoulder was performed immediately after the percutaneous biceps tenotomy to assess the quality and the location of the biceps tenotomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three out of twelve tendons (25%) were completely sectioned at the level of the glenoid insertion. More seriously, iatrogenic lesions of the cartilage of the humeral head, the supraspinatus tendon and the subscapularis tendon were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows that ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy of the long head of the biceps tendon is not reliable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Ambroise Paré Hospital, 9 Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 92104 Boulogne Cedex, France. bruno.levy@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lévy
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ducat
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gaudin
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maqdés
authors.forename: Jean Louis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Brasseur
authors.forename: Shahnaz
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Klouche
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hardy
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D058971:Tenotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional