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The comma sign was described as an arthroscopic landmark to identify the torn subscapularis stump to mobilize and repair the tendon in anterosuperior rotator cuff tears. It was hypothesized that it is composed of the humeral attachments of the superior glenohumeral and coracohumeral ligaments. This arthroscopic finding has since become accepted orthopaedic nomenclature pathognomonic for subscapularis tears and a key component of subscapularis tear classification. We propose an alternative theory of the pathoanatomy of the comma sign in anterosuperior rotator cuff tears and present the technique of comma sign–directed repairs of combined subscapularis and supraspinatus lesions. After appropriate releases, tendon-to-tendon repair of the distal-superior aspect of the comma sign to the upper border of the remnant subscapularis results in anatomic re-creation of the intra-articular portion of the torn subscapularis with concomitant reduction of the anterior leading edge of the supraspinatus and reconstitution of the rotator cable complex. A tension-free, single-anchor subscapularis repair is then performed to secure the tendon to the lesser tuberosity. After subscapularis repair, the supraspinatus that was previously retracted to the glenoid rim takes the appearance of a crescent-type tear that is easily approximated to its anatomic insertion.

Arthroscopic transtendinous techniques for the arthroscopic repair of partial-thickness, articular-surface rotator cuff tears offer the advantage of minimizing the disruption of the patient's remaining rotator cuff tendon fibers. In addition, double-row fixation of full-thickness rotator cuff tears has shown biomechanical advantages. We present a novel method combining these 2 techniques for transtendon, double-row, transosseous-equivalent arthroscopic repair of partial-thickness, articular-surface rotator cuff tears. Direct visualization of the reduction of the retracted articular tendon layer to its insertion on the greater tuberosity is the key to the procedure. Linking the medial-row anchors and using a double-row construct provide a stable repair that allows early shoulder motion to minimize the risk of postoperative stiffness.

Disorders of the long head of the biceps brachii are a common finding in conjunction with other causes of shoulder pathology. Nonoperative means as first-line treatment are often successful; however, surgery can be indicated for refractory tendinopathy. There is debate as to the best surgical treatment of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) with different types of arthroscopic and open techniques. The decision on what treatment option to perform is often made at the time of surgery after arthroscopic evaluation of the LHBT. Certain examples of tendon disease are easily visible intra-articularly; however, a large portion of the tendon is not intra-articular and not readily viewed during routine arthroscopy. This study describes a simple arthroscopic technique for evaluation of an increased portion of the LHBT using an Allis clamp. The clamp is inserted through the anterior portal, placed around the LHBT, and rotated such that the tendon is wrapped around itself, bringing the distal tendon into the joint for arthroscopic viewing. This procedure is a routine part of our assessment of the LHBT during arthroscopy.