Table I.

Pearls & pitfalls.

Pearls

Pitfalls

1.In the lateral decubitus position, the use of a shoulder distractor facilitates increased abduction and enhances subpectoral exposure. 2.Retract the pectoralis major for optimal exposure of the short and long head of the biceps brachii. 3.Before releasing the tendon, trace the long head of the biceps brachii into the bicipital groove. Secure the tendon with an Allis clamp before the release of the tendon. 4.Leave a short amount of tendon proximal to the myotendinous junction to afford a subpectoral tenodesis. 5.Ensure the tendon is properly brought through the rotator cuff defect to reconstruct the anterior cable and secure the tendon lateral to the rotator cuff footprint.

1.In the lateral decubitus position, insufficient abduction impedes exposure under the pectoralis major. 2.Inadequate retraction may obstruct the surgical view and increase the risk of iatrogenic injury. 3.Failing to trace the tendon may result in incomplete or excessive tendon release. 4.Failing to secure a subpectoral tenodesis affects the length–tension relationship of the long head of the biceps and may lead to biceps symptomatology distally. 5.Incorrectly routing the tendon can compromise the structural integrity of the repair.