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Biceps tenodesis is an operation that removes the thin long head of the biceps tendon from its normal anchor point on the top of the shoulder socket (glenoid) and moves it to the top of the arm bone (humerus). It is used to treat injuries to the long head of the biceps tendon such as ruptures, SLAP tears and biceps instability.
The new position of the tendon is either next to the rotator cuff tendons or underneath the tendon of the pectoralis major tendon (subpectoral tenodesis). The procedure is performed using minimally invasive techniques, either with an arthroscope (keyhole surgery) or with a small cut (mini-open surgery). The exact location and fixation method used depends on several factors, including the type of biceps problem present, other injuries in the shoulder and surgeon preference.
There are other problems that may be present in your shoulder at the same time as a biceps tendon injury, such as AC joint arthritis, a rotator cuff tear or a labral tear. Depending on the severity of these problems, other procedures such as distal clavicle excision, rotator cuff repair or arthroscopic stabilisation may be performed at the same time as the biceps tenodesis.
Once your biceps tenodesis surgery is complete, you will generally be able to go home the following day. Your arm will have a sling and you will receive a referral for a physiotherapist. There will be temporary restrictions on how much movement and activity you can undergo with your shoulder whilst the tenodesis heals.
For more information on biceps tenodesis operations, we recommend contacting our surgeons for an initial consultation.
