Subscapularis Repair Augmentation With the Long Head Biceps Tendon During Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: The "Biceps-Subscap Sling" Technique

Subscapularis repair failure following anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) can compromise postoperative range of motion and joint stability, often leading to persistent pain and worse outcomes. Augmenting the subscapularis repair, particularly in at-risk patients, may provide a more robust construct and prevent subscapularis failure. The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) is an accessible autograft with applications previously described in several shoulder procedures. In this technical note and accompanying video, we describe LHBT augmentation of subscapularis repair following TSA. The LHBT is released from the supraglenoid tubercle and is passed through the subscapularis tendon vertically in a pulvertaft weave fashion. Transosseous sutures are used to complete the peel repair, with the LHBT acting as a rip-stop to help protect the repair from suture pullout. In addition, the incorporated LHBT remains in continuity with the remainder of the biceps distally and may act as a dynamic stabilizer. This technique, termed the "Biceps-Subscap Sling" technique, provides additional structural integrity to subscapularis repair and is a cost-effective, biologically active option.