Bicep Surgeon in Seattle, WA

Why Should I Have Bicep Surgery?

• You can continue activities you enjoy
• Avoid tear enlarging over time
• It is an effective way to get rid of pain

Surgery Methods

Small partial tears can often be treated with simple debridement (shaving the rough tendon edges to create a smoother contour). Larger tears (greater than 50% of the tendon thickness) and unstable tears are treated by placing the biceps tendon in a more stable position. Most biceps tears can and should be fixed arthroscopically (minimally invasive technique).

What Happens During Bicep Surgery?

Stabilizing the biceps tendon is technically known as a biceps tenodesis. Although multiple techniques exist, the arthroscopic method involves using small incisions (portals small enough to fit instruments the size of a pencil) to place tools into the shoulder. Once the decision is made to perform the procedure, the torn/unstable biceps is cut from it’s base and stitched to secure the tendon. Space is then created in the humeral head (the shoulder socket) and the tendon is secured into that space with a biodegradeable screw.

What Should I Expect After Bicep Surgery?

Most arthroscopic biceps tenodesis can be performed on an outpatient basis. You will be placed in a sling for 4-6 weeks and participate in physical therapy sessions.

Certain people benefit from surgical intervention, these include:

• People who failed non-surgical treatment
• People who are extremely active
• Manual laborers and/or athletes whose maximum strength and function is needed for overhead work

The type of surgery performed depends on numerous factors. However, most biceps repairs can be done arthroscopically. In many cases, it involves taking the torn/unstable tendon and replacing it in a more stable position (biceps tenodesis). Most repairs are done on an outpatient basis.