Biceps Tendon Injury

A sprain or separation of the joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, usually from a fall onto the point of the shoulder.

AC Joint Injury

Inflammation, fraying or tearing of the biceps tendon where it anchors inside the shoulder, often alongside rotator cuff or labral problems.

Biceps Tendon Injury

Inflammation of the fluid-filled cushion between the rotator cuff and the bony roof of the shoulder, causing pain with reaching and lying on that side.

Shoulder Bursitis

Breaks of the collarbone, the upper arm bone at the shoulder, or the shoulder blade, from falls and collisions. Many heal in a sling; some need fixation or replacement.

Shoulder Fractures

Damage to the smooth cartilage surface of the ball or socket, from a dislocation, an injury or early wear, that causes pain, catching and the start of arthritis.

Shoulder Cartilage Injury

Overuse injuries of the shoulder and elbow in baseball, softball and other overhead athletes: labral tears, internal impingement, biceps problems and elbow ligament strain.

Throwing Injuries

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

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Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

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What it is

Biceps Tendon Injury

The long head of the biceps runs through the shoulder joint and anchors to the top of the socket.

It inflames with overuse, frays with age, and can tear completely, which produces the Popeye bulge.It rarely fails alone. Most biceps problems travel with rotator cuff tears or labral damage.

Treated by

J. Ryan Taylor, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. TaylorShoulder and Sports Medicine

Kevin Christensen, MD, Knee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. ChristensenKnee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine

Michael Carlson, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. CarlsonShoulder and Sports Medicine

or call801-640-0000

Biceps Tendon Injury

Symptoms

Pain at the front of the shoulder with lifting and overhead work.Tenderness in the groove at the front of the upper arm. A snap or click with rotation.

A sudden pop followed by a bunched muscle in the upper arm is a complete tear.

Common signs

Pain at the front of the shoulder

Tender groove on the upper arm

Snap or click with rotation

Worse with lifting

See us sooner if

Sudden pop and a bunched muscle

Weakness turning the palm up

Biceps Tendon Injury

Causes

Repetitive overhead lifting and throwing, age-related wear, and shoulder impingement that rubs the tendon.A sudden heavy lift can rupture a tendon that was already frayed.Weightlifters and overhead athletes are most at risk.

Biceps Tendon Injury

How We Diagnose It

Exam reproduces pain with specific biceps tests.Ultrasound or MRI shows tendon thickening, fraying or a tear, and checks the rotator cuff and labrum.A diagnostic injection into the groove can confirm the tendon as the source.Common in lifters and overhead athletes; ultrasound is done at the first visit. Dr. Taylor, Dr. Christensen and Dr. Carlson operate at Utah Valley Hospital and American Fork Hospital.

Biceps Tendon Injury

Treatment Options

Rest, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy and an injection resolve most tendinitis.

A ruptured long head of the biceps often needs no surgery in older patients; strength loss is small.Persistent pain or a tear in an active patient is treated with biceps tenodesis, reattaching the tendon lower on the arm, usually arthroscopically.

Your options

Non-surgical

Rest and NSAIDs

Physical therapy

Injection

Surgical

Biceps tenodesis

Cuff repair with it

Biceps Tenodesis

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Rotator Cuff Repair

Biceps Tendon Injury

Procedures That Address It

Biceps Tenodesis

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Rotator Cuff Repair

Biceps Tendon Injury

Surgeons Who Treat It

Dr. Taylor, MD

Dual fellowship trained in sports medicine and in shoulder and elbow surgery. Former Division I football player.

Dr. Christensen, MD

Andrews Institute sports medicine fellowship under Dr. James Andrews. Board certified in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. Fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Carlson, MD

Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip and ankle. Published sports medicine researcher. Fourteen years in practice.

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330