Medial biceps sling takedown may be necessary to expose an occult subscapularis tendon tear.

ABSTRACT: With a systematic approach to diagnosis, including a thorough history, physical examination, advanced imaging, and arthroscopic evaluation, most subscapularis tendon tears may be readily discovered. Occult tears, on the other hand, may escape arthroscopic detection if a high index of suspicion and certain intraoperative examination steps are lacking. We describe an occult tear pattern in which a subscapularis tendon tear was completely hidden by an intact medial biceps tendon sling. Takedown of the sling, which was expendable because a tenodesis was planned, was required to expose this occult tear. Awareness of occult subscapularis tear patterns makes diagnosis and repair possible.

SUBMITTER: Hartzler RU 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4314552 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature