Brachial Plexus Injuries Associated With Open Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis

Abstract

Case: We report 2 cases of brachial plexus injury after open subpectoral biceps tenodesis. In 1 patient, the nerves likely sustained a stretch injury related to retractor use. In the other patient, multiple nerves were severed, and we hypothesize that they were caught in a drill bit. Conclusions: To decrease the risk of nerve injury due to traction or inadvertent wrapping of nerves in the drill bit or tenodesis screw, we recommend careful retractor use and tendon fixation techniques that use a protective sleeve during both drilling and fixation.

Technique of Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Tenodesis of the Long Head of the Biceps With Interference Screw

“… 6 , 7 However, open methods have a number of complications, the most important of which is the formation of adhesions around the nerves, which leads to disruption of muscle innervation and loss of sensation. 8 , 9 The formation of a scar on the skin also can be attributed to the negative factors of open tenodesis, which of course reduces the cosmetic result.…”