Biceps Tenodesis

Treating the Long-Head Biceps Pain Generator

Who May Be a Candidate?

• Patients with persistent front-of-shoulder pain from biceps tendonitis or partial tearing
• Biceps tendon instability, pulley injury, or painful snapping in the bicipital groove
• SLAP tears where biceps treatment is more appropriate than labral repair alone
• Patients undergoing rotator cuff repair when the biceps tendon is also damaged
• Active adults who want to reduce the risk of cramping or cosmetic deformity compared with simple release
• People whose exam, injections, and imaging point to the biceps as a meaningful pain source

What Conditions does Biceps Tenodesis Help Ease?

This procedure may help with:

How Biceps Tenodesis Is Performed

1. The surgeon inspects the biceps tendon, labrum, rotator cuff, cartilage, and bicipital groove
2. The damaged long-head biceps tendon is released from its superior labral attachment
3. The unhealthy tendon segment may be removed from the shoulder joint
4. The tendon is secured to the humerus using an anchor, screw, button, or other fixation method
5. Associated shoulder problems, such as rotator cuff tear or impingement, are addressed when part of the surgical plan
6. The repair is protected in a sling while early healing begins

Benefits of Biceps Tenodesis

• Moves the painful biceps tendon out of the shoulder joint while preserving its upper-arm attachment
• Can reduce cramping and cosmetic deformity risk compared with simple tenotomy in selected patients
• Pairs well with rotator cuff repair, SLAP management, or impingement surgery when clinically indicated
• Targets a specific front-of-shoulder pain source confirmed by exam and imaging
• Supports a staged return to lifting, throwing, and overhead work after tendon healing

Recovery After Biceps Tenodesis

Recovery from biceps tenodesis depends on whether it was performed alone or with rotator cuff, labral, or decompression surgery. Early restrictions usually protect resisted elbow flexion, lifting, and supination while the tendon heals to bone. Shoulder motion may begin before strengthening, depending on the associated procedures. Outside rehabilitation or surgeon-directed exercises typically progress from protected motion to scapular control, rotator cuff strengthening, and gradual return to lifting or sport. Heavy curls, pulling, and overhead loading require clearance.

Related Shoulder Treatments

Explore other shoulder treatment options:

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Locations Offering Evaluation

Our board-certified specialists offer biceps tenodesis evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.