A Biceps Tenodesis is done for active patients with biceps tendon tears or instability.  This is commonly done by releasing the biceps tendon from its attachment to the labrum inside the shoulder joint and then attaching the tendon to the humerus (arm bone) or rotator cuff.  My preference is to attach it to the humerus below the humeral head (ball part of the shoulder joint).  This is often done with an absorbable screw or may be done with suture anchors or sutures through bone.  It can be done arthroscopically or with a small incision.  The surgery is done as an outpatient procedure.

  

Socket created in the humerus for biceps Tenodesis

 

Biceps tendon has been released from its attachment, suture placed in the end, and it is ready to place in the socket in the humerus

 

Biceps Tenodesis completed with bioabsorbable screw holding the biceps tendon in the socket

 

 

 

 

Rehabilitation

When a tenodesis is performed, a sling is worn for four weeks and forceful forearm rotation or elbow flexion are avoided for eight weeks.  Physical therapy is started one week after surgery.  Return to unrestricted activity is approximately four months.