Bicep Tenodesis of the Shoulder Surgery Boise

What is Biceps Tenodesis of the Shoulder?

Biceps Tenodesis of the shoulder is a specific kind of surgery that repairs a tear in the tendon connecting your biceps to your shoulder. It can be performed by itself or as part of a more extensive shoulder surgery procedure.

What Does Preparation for Biceps Tenodesis of the Shoulder Look Like?

A few days before the surgery, you will likely be given a topical medicine to clean your skin. Leading up to your surgery, your surgeon will discuss any current medications you're taking and what ones you can or cannot take before surgery. Your surgeon will also ask you not to eat or drink the day of your surgery.

How is Biceps Tenodesis of the Shoulder Performed?

This type of surgery may be performed arthroscopically or open and may depend on your surgeon and personal experience.

Open Surgery

Open surgery will involve one large incision and several small ones.

Arthroscopic Surgery

The arthroscopic surgery will employ several small incisions.

Risks and Potential Complications of Biceps Tenodesis of the Shoulder

Complications from this type of surgery are relatively rare. The risk of infection, bleeding, and negative reaction to anesthesia can be a risk of any surgery. If this surgery is part of a more extensive operation on the shoulder, complications could include nerve injury in the shoulder, stiff shoulder, or shoulder joint cartilage damage.

What to Expect During the Surgery

General anesthesia will be administered during this type of surgery. If your surgeon is performing biceps tenodesis surgery using small incisions, they will use a scope to look inside the shoulder before performing the surgery.

During the procedure, a screw or other anchoring device will be inserted into the upper arm bone, and then the long end of the biceps will be clipped and sewn onto the screw.

Biceps Tenodesis of the Shoulder

"The outlook of this surgery is generally very good with as much as 95% of patients having pain relief and improved muscle function."
- Dr. Hessing, Orthopedic Surgeon

Want to learn more about shoulder pain? Check out our resource guide on shoulder pain

According to data from Statista, in 2018, 24% of American adults had been diagnosed with a pain condition. Shoulder issues are common causes of such pain. Shoulder pain can be experienced due to many factors like accidents and conditions such as arthritis or referred pain.

Read the Shoulder Pain Guide

What Does Recovery Look Like?

Recovering from biceps tenodesis can be fairly lengthy. It will require a lot of rest and physical therapy. You will be required to wear a sling for a few weeks following the procedure to minimize your shoulder use. One to two weeks after the surgery, you will have passive motion. After about three months, most patients will begin to recover their arm function and strength.

Orthopedic Specialists at Capital Surgical Associates

Our orthopedic specialists, Dr. Hessing, Dr. Applonie, and Dr. Neuschwander, are here to help if you are in pain from an injury or dealing with a chronic condition.

Contact Capital Surgical Associates