Subscapularis Management With Biologic Augmentation in Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Subscapularis insufficiency continues to be a source of morbidity after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Biologic augmentation following rotator cuff repair has shown promising results. Here we show the technique for performing subscapularis repair after anatomic TSA using a “peel-tenotomy” and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC). A standard deltopectoral approach is performed. The peel-tenotomy is performed by leaving 0 to 10 mm of subscapularis attached to the lesser tuberosity and peeling off the remainder of the tendon. A trocar is used to aspirate bone marrow from the humeral head, which is then processed. Prior to placing the humeral stem, drill holes are placed at the bicipital groove and lesser tuberosity. Sutures are placed through each drill hole. After impacting the humeral stem, suture is passed through the subscapularis to perform a secure double row repair. Prior to tying the sutures, BMAC is applied along the margins of the subscapularis repair. After securing the sutures, additional BMAC can be applied to the subscapularis repair. It is hypothesized that this technique could provide a more robust subscapularis repair and decrease the rate of subscapularis insufficiency after TSA without any known risk or morbidity to the patient, although further research is needed to show this.