Outcome of biceps suspensionplasty for recurrent multidirectional shoulder instability

Recurrent multidirectional shoulder instability after failed capsular repair/plication, is a challenging treatment problem. The long head of the biceps has been identified as a structure that may be utilized as a checkrein to stop abnormal anterior and inferior translation of the humeral head. The purpose of this study is to analyse the outcomes of biceps suspensionplasty (BS) in the treatment of recurrent shoulder instability.

A retrospective review identified patients with recurrent multidirectional instability that underwent BS as part of a revision shoulder stabilization procedure. Clinical records were reviewed for demographics, pain, complications, recurrent instability, reoperations, and range of motion. Patients were also administered ASES/SST/SANE/Rowe and Oxford instability questionnaire at minimum of 2-year clinical follow-up.

Five patients (7 shoulders) were included with a mean follow-up of 3.2 years (2-7 years). Patients had an average of 1.6 prior procedures (1-3). Average patient age was 24.2 years (18.7-32.4 years) and all were female. Four shoulders were treated open while 3 were treated arthroscopically with a capsular shift and biceps suspension. Four shoulders also underwent capsular reconstruction with allograft. At final follow-up three shoulders had recurrent inferior subluxation, although all patients considered their shoulders to be much better (4) or somewhat better (3) and none have undergone repeat surgery.

In our series of patients, we found BS may be useful as an adjunct to a revision capsular shift or reconstruction. While 42.8% of patients experienced recurrent subluxations, this high-risk population demonstrated encouraging subjective results and avoiding joint arthrodesis in the short-term.