Biceps Tenodesis

Arthroscopic repair of a superior labral tear where the biceps tendon anchors to the shoulder socket, for deep shoulder pain, clicking and overhead symptoms.

SLAP Repair

Releasing the damaged long head of the biceps tendon from inside the shoulder and anchoring it to the upper arm bone to relieve front-of-shoulder pain while preserving biceps strength.

Biceps Tenodesis

Stabilization or ligament reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint after a severe shoulder separation, when the collarbone will not stay in place on its own.

AC Joint Surgery

Treatment of collarbone fractures, from sling care to plate-and-screw fixation (ORIF) for displaced, shortened or slow-healing breaks.

Clavicle Fracture Repair

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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 Tenodesis

The long head of the biceps tendon runs through the shoulder joint and attaches at the top of the socket.

When it is inflamed, frayed, unstable or torn it causes persistent pain at the front of the shoulder.Tenodesis releases the damaged tendon from its attachment inside the joint and secures it to the humerus, preserving the length and contour of the biceps while removing the source of pain.

Performed by

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

Dr. ChristensenKnee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine

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

Dr. TaylorShoulder and Sports Medicine

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

Dr. CarlsonShoulder and Sports Medicine

Jeffrey Wallentine, MD, Joint Replacement surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. WallentineJoint Replacement

or call801-640-0000

Biceps Tenodesis

Who It Helps

Tenodesis fits patients with front-of-shoulder pain from biceps tendon inflammation, degeneration, instability or tearing that has not settled with nonsurgical care.It is also recommended for certain SLAP tears, particularly in patients over forty, and for biceps injuries that accompany rotator cuff tears, where it is performed in the same operation.

Biceps Tenodesis

What to Expect

Outpatient surgery under general anesthesia with a nerve block, usually forty-five to ninety minutes alone and longer with other procedures.The tendon is released and fixed to the upper arm bone arthroscopically or through a small incision. Home the same day with the arm in a sling.Many Utah Valley patients have tenodesis at the same time as a rotator cuff repair; both are done in one outpatient visit at a local surgery center. Dr. Christensen, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Wallentine operate at Utah Valley Hospital and Spanish Fork Hospital.

Biceps Tenodesis

Recovery Timeline

Two weeks of sling comfort with gentle shoulder and elbow motion, then gradual restoration of motion through week six while resisted elbow flexion, forearm rotation and heavy lifting are restricted to protect tendon healing.

Weeks six to twelve progress shoulder and biceps strengthening through therapy. Demanding exercise and lifting return at three to four months; most patients are unrestricted, including sport, by four to six months.

Milestones

Week 0 to 2Sling, gentle motion

Week 2 to 6Motion, no lifting

Week 6 to 12Biceps strengthening

Month 4 to 6Unrestricted, sport

Biceps Tenodesis

Risks and Considerations

Stiffness, persistent discomfort, infection, nerve injury, blood clots, failure of the tendon fixation and cramping are the main risks.Some patients notice a mild change in muscle contour or temporary weakness during recovery. Other shoulder conditions can contribute to symptoms, so your surgeon evaluates the whole shoulder before recommending tenodesis.

Biceps Tenodesis

Your Surgeons

Dr. Christensen, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Wallentine perform this procedure at Surgery Partners Provo, Spanish Fork Hospital, Central Utah Surgical Center, Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Mountain View Hospital and Intermountain Health Surgery Center Saratoga Springs.

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. Taylor, MD

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

Dr. Carlson, MD

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

Dr. Wallentine, MD

Thirty-four years in practice. Mako robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement. Stanford sports medicine fellowship. BYU athletics team surgeon.

Biceps Tenodesis

Related Procedures and Conditions

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