Biceps tenodesis is a surgery used to treat tears or inflammation in the tendon that connects the bicep muscle to the shoulder. Inflammation or tears in the tendon are called bicep tendonitis. This condition is relatively common and can be the root of significant pain.
Do You Have Biceps Tendonitis?
Biceps tendonitis is an irritation, inflammation or tear to the upper biceps tendon that connects to the shoulder and elbow. The earliest stage of this condition is characterized by a tendon that has become inflamed. As tendonitis progresses, the exterior of the tendon thickens, which causes it to stiffen and grow in size. In the later stages, the tendon will usually appear dark red in color due to the inflammation. There is a greater risk of tearing and this can cause what is known as a “Popeye” bulge in the upper arm.
Typically, those suffering from biceps tendonitis also have/had other shoulder issues such as:
- Damage to the rotator cuff
- Shoulder impingement
- Chronic shoulder instability or dislocation
- Arthritis of the shoulder joint
- Tears in the glenoid labrum
- Other diseases that may cause inflammation of the shoulder joint lining
Are You A Candidate For Biceps Tenodesis?
Biceps tendon tears and inflammation can be caused by traumatic injuries or due to overuse of the shoulder. These types of shoulder injuries are most commonly seen in young athletes such as swimmers, gymnasts, and those involved in throwing or contact sports.
You may be a candidate for biceps tenodesis surgery if you experience the following:
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulder or elbow
- Weakness in the shoulder or elbow
- Cramping, tingling, or swelling of the shoulder or arm
- Appearance of bruising from the middle of the biceps to the elbow
- Sudden sharp pain in the upper arm and a popping or snapping sound
- Difficulty moving or rotating the arm
- Bulge in the upper arm known as a “Popeye muscle”
- Tried other nonsurgical procedures with little to no sign of relief
What To Know Before Surgery?
To start, you are given medicine to numb your shoulder and to relax you. You may be put to sleep. The surgeon makes a few small openings in your skin. These are for the the special camera (called an “arthroscope”) and the small surgical instruments.
How Is Biceps Tenodesis Performed in Florida?
Biceps tenodesis is performed under general anesthesia. Three days prior to surgery, it is important not to take any aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.
The surgeon will begin the biceps tenodesis operation with a small incision. A small camera, otherwise known as an arthroscope, may then be inserted to provide the surgeon with a better view into the shoulder joint. Next, the surgeon will insert an anchoring device into the upper arm bone (the humerus). The end of the long head of the biceps is then cut. The remaining portion of the tendon is sewn onto the anchoring device, re-attaching the tendon to the humerus.
What To Expect After The Surgery?
The success rate of biceps tenodesis is high. Following the procedure, most patients reported less pain, increased should mobility and the ability to return to physical activity. Complete recovery from biceps tenodesis takes approximately 20 weeks or more.
Immediately after surgery, a pain block is used to keep the shoulder numb for the next 12-18 hours. Patients are advised to wear a sling for the next 4-6 weeks as the tissue heals. With physical therapy, patients will work on recovery through a series of stages.
- Stage 1: 1-2 weeks post-surgery the patient may begin passive range of motion
- Stage 2: 4-6 weeks post-surgery the patient may begin active range of motion
- Stage 3: 6-8 weeks post-surgery the patient may begin the strengthening phase
- Stage 4: About 10 weeks post-surgery the patient may begin the advanced strengthening phase
Are There Risks Associated With Biceps Tenodesis?
Complications from biceps tenodesis surgery are rare. However, some possible complications include:
- Re-injury to the tendon or nearby bones
- Problem with attachment to the bone
- Damage to the cartilage of the shoulder joint, known as chondrolysis
- Change in the arm’s appearance, known as “Popeyes deformity”
- Chances of this complication after surgery are increased if a tendon is then injured, torn, or becomes unattached from the shoulder joint and bunches up.
- Continuing pain
- Stiffness or “frozen shoulder”