Biceps Tenodesis Surgeons
Are you an athlete who participates in sports that involve throwing overhead? If so, you may be at risk of developing an injury to the biceps. The biceps tenodesis surgeons at Shoulder Clinic of Idaho provide diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in the Boise area who have sustained a biceps tendon injury. Contact the Shoulder Clinic of Idaho team today!
Biceps Tenodesis to Repair the Biceps Tendon
What is Biceps Tenodesis?
Biceps tenodesis is a surgery performed by the orthopedic shoulder specialists at The Shoulder Clinic of Idaho, to repair a damaged, unstable, or inflamed biceps tendon. This procedure is typically used when the biceps tendon causes pain in and around the shoulder. Most often, inflammation or tearing of the biceps tendon will cause pain in the front of the shoulder and arm, where the biceps tendon travels. Patients in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and the surrounding communities of the Treasure Valley have received relief from shoulder pain and loss of shoulder function when treated with biceps tenodesis by our shoulder specialists.
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What causes Biceps Tendonitis?
Athletes who participate in overhead sports, involving repetitive activities such as swimming, basketball, gymnastics or tennis can experience pain and instability due to inflammation caused by wear and tear of the biceps tendon. The long head of the biceps tendon enters the shoulder joint and attaches to the top of the shoulder socket (glenoid). Because of where it attaches, the tendon must slide back and forth through a thin groove in the front of the shoulder called the biciptal groove. This unique anatomical position of the biceps tendon places it at risk for inflammation, instability, and tearing. Additionally, SLAP tears (Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior tears) can occur with long head biceps disorders – particularly in young athletic population.
What happens during Biceps Tenodesis surgery?
The orthopedic shoulder surgeons at The Shoulder Clinic of Idaho recommend biceps tenodesis surgery when non-surgical treatment measures have failed to alleviate shoulder pain and shoulder disability. If shoulder surgery is warranted, arthroscopic and minimally-invasive open shoulder repair techniques may be recommended for patients in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and the surrounding communities of the Treasure Valley. During the procedure, the biceps tendon is released from the attachment site, inside the shoulder joint through arthroscopic surgery. It is then reattached to the upper arm bone (humerus). The reattachment of the biceps tendon will allow it to be away from the area of the shoulder, so there is little to no irritation with overhead activities. Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis is minimally invasive and is done through a small incisions near the front of the arm and armpit. Special surgical instruments and a small camera are used to make the repairs within the shoulder, helping patients return to their normal activities quicker and with less pain.
How long will it take to recover from Biceps Tenodesis?
Recovery from biceps tenodesis will vary based on age, extent of injury and overall patient health. Here are some things to expect:
- Patients will be placed in a sling to provide shoulder comfort and to keep the shoulder immobile directly after surgery.
- Passive and active assisted shoulder exercises will begin shortly after surgery, followed by active range of motion exercises as prescribed by your shoulder surgeon.
- A sling is typically used for two to four weeks following shoulder surgery and may be removed during the day for regular exercises and when working with physical therapy.
- It is common to avoid lifting anything heavy until the biceps tendon has healed sufficiently.
- After complete healing of the biceps repair procedure (also known as biceps tenodesis procedure) full range of motion should be achieved without pain.
- Patients are encouraged to use their arm without limitation and may return to strengthening exercises
Patients who undergo biceps tenodesis can expect an exceptional surgical outcome in most cases, when arthroscopic surgery is performed by the orthopedic shoulder specialists at The Shoulder Clinic of Idaho.
For more information about biceps tenodesis, or shoulder pain and instability, please contact The Shoulder Clinic of Idaho, serving Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and the surrounding communities of the Treasure Valley.