Final answer:
The question addresses a medical instrument—a 5.5 mm diameter slotted cannula—used for implanting cortical buttons during biceps tenodesis surgery. Bicortical and unicortical fixation are methods of securing the tendon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to a surgical tool used in orthopedic procedures, specifically for biceps tenodesis. In this context, a 5.5 mm diameter slotted cannula is designed to aid surgeons during the drilling and insertion process of cortical buttons. These buttons are employed in both bicortical and unicortical subpectoral biceps tenodesis, which are types of surgical methods used to reattach the biceps tendon to the appropriate area, most commonly within the shoulder after a tendon tear or rupture.
Bicortical fixation refers to anchoring the button through both cortices of the bone for maximum hold and stability, while unicortical fixation involves anchoring it through a single cortex. The particular size of 5.5 mm indicates that the cannula has a very specific use, designed to accommodate the fitting of instruments or implants of that diameter. This precise and minimally invasive tool is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the biceps tenodesis surgical procedure.