Arthroscopic Acromioclavicular Joint Stabilization Using Autologous Biceps for Horizontal Neutralization (AutoBAHN)...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Chronic acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) instability often requires surgical intervention.
• Current methods like allografts and autografts have drawbacks including donor site morbidity and graft failure.
• There is a need for effective, local graft options for ACJ stabilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel arthroscopically assisted technique for ACJ stabilization.
• To describe the use of an autologous, rerouted long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon transfer.
• To evaluate this technique for symptomatic bidirectional ACJ instability.

Main Methods:

• A technique involving arthroscopic ACJ stabilization using a rerouted LHB tendon transfer is detailed.
• The LHB tendon is tenodesed, tenotomized, rerouted transarticularly, and secured with an interference screw.
• A suture button pulley construct augments the stabilization, providing horizontal stability.

Main Results:

• The described technique utilizes an autologous LHB tendon for ACJ stabilization.
• This method avoids donor site morbidity associated with traditional autografts.
• The technique provides both vertical and horizontal stabilization for the ACJ.

Conclusions:

• The autologous biceps tendon transfer is a robust, cost-effective graft option for ACJ instability.
• This technique preserves the LHB tendon's origin and avoids donor site complications.
• It offers a viable alternative for treating symptomatic bidirectional ACJ instability.