[Arthroscopic repair of partial subcapularis tendon lesions. Simplified approach]

We present a technical variation for arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repair. Sutures of isolated partial subscapularis tendon avulsions can be passed and fixed securely through an isolated anterolateral portal just over the rotator interval (mono-tunnel technique). Primarily a shoulder free of fixation devices is needed. Patient on a beach chair position or lateral decubitus without traction is advised. The best view can be obtained from a posterior portal with the shoulder on 75 degrees forward elevation and 90 degrees medial rotation. In a shoulder 30 degrees adducted at a good view can be also obtained from the antero-lateral portal. This working portal alone allows joint and tendon inspection, introduction of round burrs and devices needed for working on bone bed receptor. A titanium anchor of 5 mm with doubled non-absorbable suture is used, it can be passed through tendon with the Artropierce and an all-inside arthroscopic knot tying is done by just one tunnel thus minimizing the potential of injury of the coracohumeral ligament complex. This technique allows the surgeon to perform subscapularis tendon repair easily with reproducible good results in 7 cases of isolated partial tendon avulsions in this serie. We also recommend it in combination with other rotator cuff repairing techniques.