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What Is Long Head Biceps Tenodesis?

Long head biceps tenodesis is surgery to move the long head of the biceps tendon from its attachment near the shoulder socket and secure it to the upper arm bone. It may treat a painful or damaged tendon at the shoulder. The short head of the biceps remains attached in its usual position.

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What Is Long Head Biceps Tenodesis?

Long head biceps tenodesis is surgery to move the long head of the biceps tendon from its attachment near the shoulder socket and secure it to the upper arm bone. It may treat a painful or damaged tendon at the shoulder. The short head of the biceps remains attached in its usual position.

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When Is Biceps Tenodesis Considered?

A surgeon may consider tenodesis when a damaged long head biceps tendon causes persistent shoulder pain despite nonsurgical care. It may also be performed during surgery for a labral tear or another shoulder problem. The decision depends on the tendon condition, symptoms, and planned shoulder treatment.

How Is the Tendon Secured?

The surgeon releases the long head tendon from its original attachment near the shoulder socket. The tendon is then fixed to the humerus with a surgical anchor or another fixation method. The procedure may use arthroscopic instruments, an open incision, or both.

What Happens During Recovery?

A sling protects the arm during the early healing period. Rehabilitation gradually restores shoulder motion before heavier use of the biceps begins. The schedule may change if a rotator cuff or another shoulder structure was repaired at the same time.

What Are the Risks and Limitations?

Risks include infection, stiffness, nerve injury, persistent pain, and failure of the tendon fixation. Returning to lifting too soon can place stress on the healing attachment. Symptoms from another shoulder condition may remain after the tendon is treated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Head Biceps Tenodesis

Is tenodesis the same as tenotomy?

No. Both release the tendon from its shoulder attachment, but tenodesis fixes it to the upper arm bone. Tenotomy leaves the released tendon unattached at that end.

Will my biceps muscle still work?

Yes. The short head remains attached, and the long head is secured to the humerus. Strength and comfort may take time to recover.

Can tenodesis be performed with rotator cuff surgery?

Yes. A surgeon may treat both problems during the same operation. Rehabilitation then follows the restrictions needed for the combined repairs.

When can I lift weights again?

Resisted lifting is restricted while the tendon heals to bone. Your surgeon and physical therapist will set a gradual return based on the operation and your progress.

References

Biceps Tenodesis (Tendon Surgery): Procedure Details & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21926-biceps-tenodesis. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Biceps Tenodesis Surgery. Cooper University Health Care. https://www.cooperhealth.org/treatments/biceps-tenodesis-surgery. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Biceps Tenodesis/Tenotomy. Summit Health. https://www.summithealth.com/biceps-tenodesistenotomy. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Complications of Proximal Biceps Tenotomy and Tenodesis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26614476/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Does Biceps Tenotomy or Tenodesis Have Better Results After Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617158/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.