Our Summary

This research paper talks about a procedure called biceps tenodesis which is often used to treat problems in the long head of the biceps muscle in the upper arm. This procedure might be recommended for various conditions, such as partial tears in the muscle, the muscle being out of place or not moving properly, or when other treatments for inflammation in the muscle sheath (covering) have not worked. It can also be used to treat tears in the shoulder joint. The stability of the muscle is an important consideration in treating these conditions. The authors suggest using a technique of biceps tenodesis that involves securing the muscle below the chest muscle. They use a special screw to fix the muscle in place, and this method has been found to be very effective in lab tests. If there are any other surgeries being done at the same time, like repairing the rotator cuff in the shoulder, the recovery plan may need to be tweaked. Generally, this method of biceps tenodesis has had great results and low risk of complications.

FAQs

  1. What is biceps tenodesis and when is it performed?
  2. What is the advocated technique for biceps tenodesis and why?
  3. How does the presence of concomitant operations affect the postoperative rehabilitation protocol?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tendon repair, specifically biceps tenodesis, is to follow the postoperative rehabilitation protocol closely. This may include restrictions on certain movements or activities to allow the tendon to heal properly. It is important to communicate any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider and attend all follow-up appointments to track your progress. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise can aid in the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tendon repair include those with partial-thickness tears of the long head of the biceps brachii (LHB), tendon subluxation with or without subscapularis tear, and those who have failed conservative management of bicipital tenosynovitis. Biceps tenodesis may also be recommended for patients with superior labrum anterior to posterior tears. Evaluation of biceps stability is important in determining the need for tendon repair. Subpectoral biceps tenodesis with interference screw fixation is a common technique that has shown excellent clinical outcomes and low complication rates. Patients who may require concomitant operations, such as rotator cuff repair, may need adjustments to their postoperative rehabilitation protocol.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the affected tendon.
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as MRI to confirm the diagnosis of tendon injury.
  • Conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and medications are attempted to alleviate symptoms, but may be unsuccessful.
  • Surgical consultation is sought if conservative treatments do not provide relief.

After tendon repair:

  • Patient undergoes biceps tenodesis surgery for tendon repair, typically performed under general anesthesia.
  • Postoperatively, patient is advised to rest and elevate the affected arm to reduce swelling.
  • Physical therapy is initiated to restore strength and range of motion in the repaired tendon.
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing and progress.
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and sports, with full recovery typically taking several months.
  • Long-term follow-up may be necessary to ensure the tendon remains stable and functional.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific reason for recommending tendon repair for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with tendon repair surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after tendon repair surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options for my condition besides tendon repair surgery?
  5. How successful is tendon repair surgery in treating similar cases to mine?
  6. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments in conjunction with the tendon repair surgery?
  7. What are the long-term outcomes and potential limitations after tendon repair surgery?
  8. Are there any specific precautions or lifestyle changes I need to take into consideration after the surgery?
  9. How soon can I expect to return to my normal daily activities and exercise routine after tendon repair surgery?
  10. Are there any specific factors or conditions that may affect the success of tendon repair surgery in my case?

Reference

Authors: Levy DM, Meyer ZI, Campbell KA, Bach BR Jr. Journal: Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2016 Feb;45(2):68-74. PMID: 26866316