Biceps Tenodesis

Biceps Tenodesis Overview

For athletes who participate in overhead sports that involve repetitive activities and motion such as swimming, tennis, and basketball, biceps tendonitis or instability can be a common source of shoulder pain. Most often is it is the long head of the biceps tendon that is injured leading to inflammation as a result of the wear and tear. This injury presents itself with ongoing shoulder pain and shoulder weakness. SLAP tears occur where the biceps tendon attaches inside the shoulder and frequently occur in conduction with long head biceps disorders.

If conservative measures using rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) do not heal this injury, Dr. Peter Millett may perform arthroscopic shoulder surgery to repair the injured biceps tendon. During surgical biceps tendonitis treatment, Dr. Millett will make tiny incisions into the shoulder and enter the area using a microscope and tiny instruments to make the repair. If the tendon is too badly damaged, Dr. Millett may opt to remove the damaged portion of the tendon and reattach the healthy portion of the tendon to the arm bone. This procedure is known as a biceps tenodesis and essentially moves the attachment of the tendon to a new position so that it remains out of the way of the shoulder joint so that overhead activity can resume. This is highly effective and Dr. Millett has performed over 2,000 of these procedures with excellent results.

Surgical Biceps Tendonitis Treatment Video

Dr. Millett may perform a biceps tenodesis as an isolated biceps tendonitis treatment, but often, it is combined with a rotator cuff repair or another necessary procedure for the shoulder. The reason for this is because the biceps tendon passes through the rotator cuff to go into the shoulder joint and when the rotator cuff becomes torn, the long head biceps tendon can become unstable.

A biceps tenodesis is usually performed as a measure to correct more significant biceps tendon symptoms or to correct problems where the biceps attaches, known as a SLAP tear. This particular treatment for torn biceps is particularly useful in patients over the age of 35.

Patients who undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery for the treatment for torn biceps and for biceps tendonitis have predictable and excellent outcomes that have shown to be durable and reproducible. Most will regain full range of motion in a few short weeks. Following the rehab protocol and physical therapy regime, will help to ensure a successful recovery.

Are you a candidate for biceps tenodesis?

There are two ways to initiate a consultation with Dr. Millett:

You can provide current X-rays and/or MRIs for a clinical case review ($250).

You can schedule an office consultation with Dr. Millett.

Request Case Review or Office Consultation

Post-Op Surgical Incision Care

For more resources on biceps tendonitis treatment, or to learn more about biceps tenodesis, please contact the orthopedic office of Dr. Peter Millett.

Will Shoulder Tendonitis Go Away On Its Own?

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!