Single-Incision Technique for Repair of Distal Biceps Tendon Avulsions With Intramedullary Cortical Button

Patients who experience distal biceps tendon avulsions generally benefit from surgical intervention. Compared with nonoperative treatment, surgery has shown improved muscle endurance as well as increased flexion and supination strength. Although a number of surgical techniques exist, repair of the distal biceps through a single incision is gaining popularity. This may be due in part to patient preference and emerging technologies such as cortical button fixation, suture anchors, and intraosseous screws. In this report, we present a simple technique for anatomically repairing distal biceps injuries using an intramedullary tenodesis button. This technique has the benefit of using a single unicortical drill hole in the radius while allowing the surgeon to sequentially tighten the tendon to its desired level of tension. When appropriate surgical steps are followed, it can be completed in a reliable, safe, and efficient manner through a single incision

Arthroscopic Fixation of Glenoid Rim Fractures After Reduction by Labral Repair

Surgical fixation of displaced, intra-articular glenoid fractures represents a clinical challenge. These fractures have traditionally been treated through open approaches to the glenohumeral joint; however, the morbidity associated with open surgery may be reduced with arthroscopic techniques. Previously described arthroscopic methods commonly use clamps and/or Kirschner wires to obtain and maintain provisional fixation. We describe our technique for minimally invasive, arthroscopic fixation of glenoid rim fractures using labral repair as an indirect reduction maneuver, followed by final fixation with an extra-articular screw. This method is safe, efficient, and reliable, and it can be used to approach a variety of intra-articular glenoid fractures

Arthroscopic Removal of Symptomatic Proximal Humerus Locking Plates With Bone-Void Filler Augmentation

Open reduction internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures is often accomplished with proximal humerus locking plates. While these plates have a good track record, they can become symptomatic and require removal once the fracture has healed. Open hardware removal is associated with a number of additional risks to the patient, including infection, scarring, nerve damage, and blood loss. In addition, the recovery time after open hardware removal may be prolonged, thereby predisposing the patient to postoperative stiffness. The purpose of this article is to describe a technique for removing proximal humerus locking plates arthroscopically. Although technically demanding, the benefits of this technique include smaller incisions, quicker recovery time, decreased risk of infection, and reduced blood loss. Arthroscopy also provides the surgeon with the ability to address concomitant intra-articular pathology at the time of surgery. Additionally, we use a bone-void filler to reduce the risk of fracture through stress caused by previous screw holes

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction of the Elbow: The Docking Technique

Reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in overhead throwing athletes. Since its initial description, the procedure has undergone a number of technical modifications and advancements. This has resulted in multiple described techniques for UCL reconstruction. One of the most commonly performed UCL reconstruction methods is the docking technique. It has the advantages of minimizing injury to the flexor-pronator mass, avoiding the ulnar nerve, allowing robust graft tensioning, and reducing the amount of bone removed from the medial epicondyle compared with previously described techniques. This article provides a detailed description and video demonstration of how to perform this technique. When precise surgical steps are followed and postoperative rehabilitation appropriately progresses, this procedure has a well-documented history of reliably returning athletes to competitive throwing

Endoscopic Thermal Fasciotomy for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is an activity-induced condition that occurs when intracompartmental pressures within an osteofascial envelope increase during exercise, leading to reversible ischemic symptoms such as pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness. Nonoperative treatment options for this condition have shown limited success and are often undesirable for the patient given the requirement for activity modification. Traditional surgical treatment options involving open or subcutaneous fasciotomies have more favorable results, but these techniques are associated with significant morbidity. Endoscopically assisted fasciotomy techniques afford the advantages of being minimally invasive, providing excellent visualization, and allowing accelerated rehabilitation. The purpose of this article is to describe a technique for performing endoscopically assisted fasciotomies for chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower leg using an entirely endoscopic thermal ablating device. The endoscopic thermal fasciotomy technique is associated with minimal morbidity, ensures excellent hemostasis, and affords an early return to sports