Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
10:10
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Proximal humerus fracture after keyhole biceps tenodesis
Stefanie N Reiff1, Shane J Nho, Anthony A Romeo
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Rush Medical College of Rush University, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. sreiff@rushortho.com
American Journal of Orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.)
|September 17, 2010
Summary
A rare humerus fracture occurred after a keyhole biceps tenodesis surgery. This case report analyzes potential causes and the surgical technique, marking the first such incident documented in English literature.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Upper Extremity Reconstruction
Background:
- Biceps tenodesis is a common procedure for biceps tendonitis, often combined with shoulder repairs.
- Keyhole biceps tenodesis is a specific technique used in these procedures.
- Humerus fractures are a potential, though uncommon, complication in shoulder surgery.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old female patient experienced a humerus fracture post-open keyhole biceps tenodesis.
- The fracture occurred in the context of other concurrent shoulder repair surgeries.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of a humerus fracture following keyhole biceps tenodesis in the English-language literature.
- The report discusses potential etiological factors contributing to the fracture.
- An analysis of the keyhole biceps tenodesis technique itself is provided.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare but serious complication associated with biceps tenodesis.
- May prompt further investigation into surgical techniques and patient factors contributing to iatrogenic fractures.
- Informs orthopedic surgeons about a previously undocumented risk in shoulder surgery.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
01:15Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...