What is biceps tenodesis?
The long head of the biceps tendon runs into the shoulder joint, where it can become a source of pain when inflamed, unstable or torn. Tenodesis detaches the tendon from its troublesome anchor inside the joint and re-fixes it to the upper arm bone just outside the joint.
By relocating the tendon out of the joint, the pain generator is removed while the biceps keeps its function — preserving strength and the normal shape of the upper arm.
Who is it for?
- Persistent pain from biceps tendinitis or instability.
- A SLAP tear, particularly in patients over 40.
- A partially torn biceps tendon.
- Often performed alongside a rotator cuff repair.
A simpler option, tenotomy, releases the tendon without re-fixing it — quick and reliable, but it can leave a cosmetic “Popeye” bulge and occasional cramping. Tenodesis avoids this by anchoring the tendon, and is often preferred in younger or more active patients.
How the procedure works
The tendon is released from its anchor inside the joint and re-fixed to the upper arm bone with a small anchor or screw, just below the joint. The procedure is commonly combined with treatment of an associated rotator cuff tear or impingement in the same sitting.
Recovery & outlook
The arm is protected in a sling for a few weeks while the tendon heals to the bone, after which motion and then strength are gradually restored over three to four months. When combined with a cuff repair, recovery follows the cuff’s timeline. Outcomes are generally very good, with reliable relief of biceps pain.
Risks & outcomes
Biceps tenodesis is a safe, well-established procedure with high satisfaction. The main considerations are protecting the fixation while it heals and a small chance of residual cramping or a cosmetic bulge. Risks such as infection and stiffness are uncommon and actively managed.