Surgical procedures
Biceps tenodesis
Relieving a painful biceps tendon by releasing it from the shoulder and securing it lower on the arm bone, removing the pain while keeping the biceps strong.
Outpatient
Often with cuff repair
Relieves front-shoulder pain
What is a biceps tenodesis?
The long head of the biceps tendon runs through the front of the shoulder, where it is a common source of pain. A biceps tenodesis releases the tendon from its irritated origin inside the joint and reattaches it lower, onto the arm bone.
This removes the pain at its source while keeping the biceps muscle anchored and functional. It is frequently performed alongside a rotator cuff repair.
What & why
Why it's recommended
Persistent biceps tendinitis that fails non-surgical care
A frayed, partially torn, or unstable biceps tendon
Biceps pain found alongside a rotator cuff tear
To relieve front-of-shoulder pain reliably
At a glance
Pain relief without weakness
Tenodesis removes the painful tendon segment while preserving biceps strength and the natural contour of the arm.
Anesthesia & hospital stay
The day of surgery
The procedure takes about an hour, or longer if combined with other repairs. You'll be fully asleep, with a nerve block.
General anesthesia
Completely asleep, with a nerve block for lasting comfort.
About 1 hour
Longer when combined with a rotator cuff repair.
Home same day
Tenodesis is an outpatient procedure.
Outpatient setting
Performed at Summit Atlantic Surgery Center or Overlook.
Recovery timeline & milestones
What recovery looks like
Recovery protects the reattached tendon while motion and strength return.
Protect
A sling protects the reattachment while it heals to the bone.
Restore motion
Therapy returns shoulder and elbow motion.
Strengthen
Progressive strengthening rebuilds the biceps.
Full use
Most patients return to full activity.
Risks & benefits
Weighing the procedure
- Reliable relief of front-of-shoulder biceps pain
- Preserves biceps strength and arm contour
- Done at the same time as a cuff repair when needed
- Minimally invasive techniques
- A cramping ache with heavy use, usually temporary
- A change in arm contour, uncommon with tenodesis
- Stiffness during recovery
- Infection, uncommon
Treats these conditions
Tenodesis is the surgical treatment for persistent biceps tendinitis.
FAQ
Common questions
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No meaningful loss for most people. Tenodesis keeps the biceps anchored and functional while removing the painful tendon segment.
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Simply releasing the tendon (tenotomy) is an option, but it can cause a visible bulge and cramping. Tenodesis avoids this by reattaching the tendon.
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Often, yes, biceps pain frequently accompanies cuff tears, and Dr. Cohn can address both in the same procedure.
Related conditions