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The biceps tendon footprint
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Klinikum Dortmund, Beurhausstrasse. 40, DE-44137 Dortmund, Germany. si@schulterinfo.de
Acta Orthopaedica
|August 16, 2005
Summary
A novel finding in shoulder arthroscopy, the biceps tendon footprint (BTF) is an area of cartilage damage near the bicipital groove. It is associated with rotator cuff tears and instability, often linked to biceps synovitis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- A previously undescribed phenomenon, the biceps tendon footprint (BTF) is an area of chondromalacia adjacent to the bicipital groove.
- This finding was observed during shoulder arthroscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the occurrence and associated pathologies of the biceps tendon footprint (BTF).
- To characterize the cartilage wear and associated structural changes related to BTF.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 118 shoulder arthroscopies.
- Documentation of BTF presence, grading of cartilage wear (3 grades), and analysis of associated pathologies (subscapularis, biceps tendon, humeral head).
Main Results:
- A biceps tendon footprint (BTF) was identified in 16% of cases.
- Associated diagnoses included cuff tears and multidirectional instabilities.
- Grade 3 cartilage wear was most common; biceps synovitis was more frequent in the BTF group.
Conclusions:
- The biceps tendon footprint (BTF) is a notable finding in shoulder arthroscopy.
- Potential causes include abnormal movement (malالتraction) of the intra-articular biceps tendon in cases of multidirectional instability and cuff tears, alongside biceps synovitis.