Arthroscopic Biceps Brachii Tenotomy as a Treatment for Canine Bicipital Tenosynovitis

Abstract

Five dogs of varying breeds, ranging from 4 to 8 years in age, were presented with clinical signs consistent with bicipital tenosynovitis. After failure of conservative treatment, each dog underwent shoulder arthroscopy. Following examination of the scapular humeral joint, the bicipital tendon was severed with a bipolar radiofrequency electrosurgical system. The arthroscopic procedure resulted in a good to excellent outcome for all five dogs.

Long-term evaluation of bicipital tenodesis with T-staple in three dogs: a case report

“…The biceps tenotomy may be performed using arthrotomy, arthroscopy (Wall and Taylor 2002), or percutaneously (Venturini et al 1998;Esterline et al 2005). Excellent long-term results were reported by Bergenhuyzen (2010) who performed the shoulder arthroscopy in a standardised manner using craniolateral and caudolateral portals for a standard compartmental approach as Van Ryssen et al described in 1993.…”

“…In veterinary practice, avulsion of the biceps brachii tendon from the supraglenoid tubercle, tendon rupture and bicipital tenosynovitis have been surgically treated with tenodesis or tenotomy (Bruce et al 2000;Wall and Taylor 2002;Adamiak and Szalecki 2003;Cook et al 2005). The biceps tenodesis procedure involves cutting the biceps tendon close to its insertion on the supraglenoid tubercle and then anchoring the tendon along its anatomical course more distally along the humerus.…”

Estudo artroscópico da articulação do ombro em cadáveres de cães

“…Pôde-se vivenciar, neste estudo, os obstáculos do aprendizado da técnica artroscópica, sendo a manobra mais difícil a triangulação. A artroscopia, dotada de magnificação da imagem e iluminação, fornece um exame direto da cartilagem articular e membrana sinovial de visibilidade superior a artrotomia 3,4,6 .…”

“…A artroscopia da articulação do ombro em cães foi descrita pela primeira vez por A principal indicação da técnica na espécie canina é o diagnóstico e tratamento de osteocondrite dissecante [2][3][4][5] , mas também afecções do tendão do músculo bíceps braquial 6 , instabilidade articular 7,8 e fraturas articulares 7 .…”

Is there enough evidence to recommend surgical treatment as opposed to conservative treatment for dogs affected by bicipital tenosynovitis?

“…Another case series was published from Wall et al (2002). All dogs initially underwent conservative treatment but because lameness remained, arthroscopic tenotomy of the biceps brachii was done in all of them.…”