Arthroscopic Subscapularis Augmentation Using the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon for Anterior Shoulder Instability

The limitations of transferring the coracoid process along with the conjoined tendon are coracoacromial arch damage, technical difficulty, and nerve injury. The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) proximal transposition technique has a weaker sling effect and a risk of nerve injury. The arthroscopic subscapularis augmentation technique may have risks of shoulder external rotation restriction and subscapularis transection. Herein, we introduce an arthroscopic technique for the transfer of the LHBT for subscapularis augmentation to address these risks. Indications of this technique were patients younger than 45 years of age who engage in competitive sports, require forceful external rotation and abduction, have a related capsule-ligament insufficiency, and have a glenoid bone loss <25%. The steps include detaching the LHBT at the upper edge of the pectoralis major, transecting and braiding the LHBT, establishing a scapular tunnel, placing a guide suture through the upper third of the subscapular and scapular tunnel, passing the LHBT through the established tunnels, and fixating the LHBT. This technique achieves stability of the anterior shoulder by transecting and transferring the distal end of the LHBT to press on the upper third of the subscapularis muscle.