Dallas Biceps Tendon Surgeon

Overview of Biceps Tendons

The biceps tendon in the shoulder, specifically the long head tendon, attaches the biceps muscle to the glenoid (part of the shoulder socket where the shoulder joint rests) via the labrum or to the humerus (upper arm bone). Injuries to the biceps tendon, including partial biceps tendon tears and complete tendon tears, may occur alongside other shoulder conditions such as a labral SLAP tear or issues involving the AC joint.

This tendon plays a crucial role in arm lifting, forearm rotation, and shoulder stability, and is particularly active during movements that require both shoulder flexion and supination (turning the palm upward). The biceps tendon repair is often necessary after a torn or ruptured tendon to restore normal function.

Beyond its primary functions, the long head of the biceps tendon also contributes to dynamic shoulder stability— especially during overhead activities, lifting heavy objects, and rotational movements. Given its location within the bicipital groove, a channel in the humerus, it acts as a humeral head depressor; thereby helping to maintain the ball of the upper arm bone within the shoulder socket. This stabilizing function is essential for preventing excessive superior translation of the humeral head, which can lead to impingement or other shoulder pathologies. Additional risk factors such as advancing age, smoking, and repetitive overhead activities may increase the likelihood of proximal biceps tendon rupture or partial ruptures in this area.

A man experiencing shoulder pain looking for a Dallas biceps tendon surgeon.

The Procedures & Treatment Options

Before considering surgical intervention, Dr. Thornton, a Dallas biceps tendon specialist, often explores conservative treatment options to manage biceps tendon injuries— specially for partial tears or in patients where surgery might pose higher risks. These non-surgical approaches work to aim to alleviate pain and promote healing through things like rest, physical therapy, corticosteroid medications, and pain medication. However, when conservative methods fail to provide adequate relief, or in cases of complete ruptures causing significant functional impairment, surgical procedures such as distal biceps tendon repair or proximal biceps tenodesis become necessary.

Biceps tendon surgery in the shoulder addresses torn biceps tendon or rupture of the long head, often involving surgical repair to restore the torn or ruptured end. This procedure can involve reattachment, arthroscopic biceps tenodesis surgery (a keyhole surgery technique), or tenotomy to address biceps tendon injuries. Your Dallas biceps tendon surgeon, often a board-certified and fellowship-trained in sports medicine and experienced in upper extremity biceps tendon repairs, has provided the following general guidelines for recovery. Recovery time varies but generally takes several weeks. Please follow these unless you are provided specific instructions, which always take priority.

FAQS

The long head of the biceps tendon aids in things like arm lifting, forearm rotation, and shoulder stability by connecting the biceps muscle to the shoulder joint. This large muscle located in the front of the upper arm has two tendons, and the long head tendon plays a crucial role in maintaining stability of the shoulder joint during overhead activities and lifting heavy objects.

The most common shoulder injuries we see include tears or ruptures of the long head of the biceps tendon, such as a torn proximal biceps tendon or proximal biceps tendon tear. These injuries often involve severe pain and may require surgical reattachment using surgical techniques like arthroscopic surgery.

We always tell patients that symptoms can include things like: sudden, sharp pain in the shoulder or elbow joint, a “pop” or tearing sensation often caused by a sudden injury or distal biceps tendon rupture, visible bruising, weakness in the arm and reduced arm strength, difficulty rotating the forearm especially with an outstretched arm, and a visible bulge in the upper arm where the biceps is located due to a torn tendon or complete tear of the distal biceps tendon. Distal biceps tendon repair often uses one or two incisions. An MRI scan is typically used to confirm the diagnosis of an injured tendon..

Diagnosis involves looking at things like physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound.

Non-surgical options may include rest, ice, physical therapy, and pain medication. Keep in mind that these are often used for partial tears or in patients who are not candidates for surgery.

Surgery is typically recommended for complete ruptures, persistent pain, or when non-surgical treatments fail to provide adequate relief.

The procedure is usually administered under general anesthesia, and a surgical dressing is applied to the surgery site post-operation to protect the incisions. Choosing a Dallas biceps tendon surgeon with high surgical volume and experience, especially one affiliated with accredited hospitals, can improve recovery outcomes and reduce complication rates.

What to Eat or Drink Following Your Procedure

You do not have any food restrictions following discharge; however, the following general guidelines can help you stay comfortable during recovery:

Following surgery, stick to clear fluids, such as water or electrolyte drinks, and light, simple foods. Crackers, plain rice or broth are good choices.
You may experience slight digestive upset or nausea. Pain medications can make this worse. Contact our office if you experience severe nausea or persistent vomiting.
Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.

Caring for Incisions

Your arthroscopic surgery involves incisions in and around the shoulder to address biceps tendon injuries. The following are general care recommendations to protect your incisions:

You will be fitted with a dressing over the incision area. Leave this intact until your first follow-up appointment. We will remove it for you and re-bandage if necessary.
Swelling is normal following surgery, and you may notice light bleeding. If your dressing becomes saturated, apply a sterile gauze layer over it and contact our office immediately.
To minimize infection risk, ensure the incision remains dry. Starting 24 hours post-surgery, you may shower, but your incisions must remain dry. Avoid immersing the surgical site in water, and cover it with a waterproof plastic cover. Do not take baths or get in pools or hot tubs.
Do not apply creams, lotions, ointments or oils to the incision area unless directed to do so by your doctor.
We will typically remove stitches or sutures 1-2 weeks following your surgery. During this follow-up visit, your doctor will issue guidance about getting your incision site wet.

Pain and Medication Guidelines

*The following are general aftercare guidelines for the use of medications. Your doctor will provide specific instructions as they pertain to your health, prescriptions and procedure.

Anesthesia (numbing medication) from the procedure will subside after 6-10 hours. Discomfort is likely to intensify on the second or third day as swelling peaks around the upper arm.
Take all prescribed pain medications as directed. If shoulder pain persists, contact our office for further assistance.
Side effects such as drowsiness, nausea or constipation may occur with pain medication. If these become bothersome, try taking your medications with food. Contact our office right away if you suspect an allergic reaction to your medications.
If nausea or vomiting become severe, contact our office at once.
Do not attempt to drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medications.
Patients who are at risk for developing blood clots should discuss this concern with their doctor.

Your Mobility Following Biceps Tendon Surgery

The following are general guidelines for movement and exercising following surgery. Your doctor can provide you with specific instructions:

Rest with the operative arm supported in a sling. Keep your area slightly elevated with a pillow under your elbow when seated or reclining for the first week. This can reduce swelling and tension on the biceps tendon tears.
Use the provided sling at all times unless directed by your doctor. Avoid actively bending your elbow, twisting your forearm or lifting with the operative arm for 4-6 weeks.
Refrain from activities that may stress the shoulder or biceps, such as pulling, pushing or reaching forward with resistance.
Rest is important, but avoid prolonged periods of unsupported arm use or long-distance travel for at least 14 days following surgery.
Do not drive until cleared by your doctor. Pain medications can interfere with motor skills and cognitive abilities, and your sling may make it more dangerous to drive.
Most patients regain range of motion in weeks, and you may return to light work duties after a week, but we encourage you to seek reasonable accommodations that allow you to keep your arm in a sling.

Proper Usage of Your Sling

Your arm has been secured in a sling following surgery. Do not remove the sling until cleared to do so by your doctor.

Wear the prescribed sling at all times, including during sleep. The purpose of the sling is to immobilize the shoulder and elbow to minimize strain on the biceps tendon. Our team can help you make adjustments to your sling.
Temporary removal for hygiene (e.g. underarm care) or approved exercises will be directed by your doctor.

Use a Cold Pack for Swelling

Cold therapy can reduce swelling and pain. Below are some general guidelines for the use of cold therapy:

For the first week, apply a cold pack or prescribed cooling device to the operative area for 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours.
Always place a protective barrier, such as a towel or cloth, between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite and keep the incision dry.

Movement and Stretching Guidelines

Gentle exercises, including finger and wrist flexion and extension, can promote healthy circulation. Avoid active elbow or shoulder movements unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
Mild stiffness or discomfort is to be expected in the early recovery period. This should not turn into excruciating pain. If a particular movement hurts, discontinue it and contact our office.
Our office can help you coordinate physical therapy if an appointment has been ordered by your doctor.

CALL US IF…

Reach out right away if you notice:

214 265 3271

Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with medication or radiates through your upper arm.
Fever, chills, infection, redness, off-color discharge.
Severe swelling, tingling, numbness or skin discoloration, particularly in the hand, fingers or forearm.
Respiratory distress or chest discomfort.
Bleeding or persistent fluid leakage at the incision site.

Biceps Tendon Injuries can be limiting. Find relief and regain your Shoulder’s stability with the help of a Dallas Biceps Tendon Surgeon

In addition to biceps tendon injuries, Dr. Thornton, a Dallas biceps tendon doctor, provides care for patients experiencing unstable shoulder joints, cartilage injuries, rotator cuff damage, and movement-related shoulder pain. Contact Dallas biceps tendon surgeon Dr. Steven J. Thornton to learn about effective treatment strategies and start your journey towards a more active life!

Book An appointment