Orthopaedics – Surgeries – Treatment
Shoulder Condition Treatment
Long Head Biceps Tenodesis
The biceps muscle of the shoulder consists of two heads with corresponding tendons, of which the long head tendon is more commonly affected. This is due to its anatomical path, as it passes through the rotator cuff and inserts into the glenoid, making it susceptible to inflammation, degeneration, or even tears (SLAP lesion), leading to pain and shoulder dysfunction.
Severe degeneration or rupture of the tendon is treated surgically. In the simplest cases, a tenotomy is performed, where the tendon is cut at its base. However, for younger or more active patients, arthroscopic stretching is the ideal method as it allows the tendon to be moved to a new position, reducing degeneration and eliminating pain.
Tenodesis
Arthroscopic tenodesis is performed through millimeter-sized incisions under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the tendon is detached from the joint and reattached to the humerus or beneath the pectoralis major muscle using a specialized anchor for stability. After the operation, the patient can return home the same day or the following day, wearing a shoulder support for approximately 10–12 days.
Physiotherapy begins after the support period, and the shoulder is fully restored for sports and heavy activities within four months. Complications are rare and, in most cases, easily manageable.
