When you need help with a sports injury or other musculoskeletal issue, Kristofer J. Jones, MD, is a wonderful resource. At his practice in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Jones has helped many area residents get back to doing what they love.
Tendon damage in the biceps is a great example of a common condition that can be both painful and limiting. There are ways to treat this condition, but it isn’t always obvious which approach is best.
We’re happy to provide an overview of two popular options, and when you come in for treatment, we can assess your tendon damage and help you choose the best path forward.
Your biceps are the thick muscles located on the front of your upper arm. Your biceps are connected to your shoulder by a tendon — a tough band of connective tissue. While tendons are very durable, they can weaken if they experience damage.
Pain and limited joint mobility can quickly follow. Because tendon tissue doesn’t heal well on its own, the discomfort can linger for months or even longer. Medical intervention is often needed to fully resolve tendon issues.
One approach to resolving the symptoms of a damaged biceps tendon is known as tenodesis. With this option, Dr. Jones detaches the damaged tendon from your labrum — the cartilage lining the socket of your shoulder joint.
Then, he reattaches the biceps tendon to your humerus, which is the upper arm bone. A small hole drilled into this bone provides a secure anchor for tendon reattachment.
This procedure can often be done using minimally invasive surgical techniques, and the resulting scar is only 3-4 centimeters long.
Tenodesis is done as an outpatient procedure. You’ll receive general anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable.
Wearing a sling for a few weeks afterward gives your muscle and tendon tissue time to recover, and physical therapy helps you regain strength and flexibility in the area.
Tenotomy is another option that can help relieve pain brought on by damage to your biceps tendon. With this approach, Dr. Jones cuts your biceps tendon, which allows the muscle to shift to a lower position in your arm.
Open tenotomy is a surgical approach done on an outpatient basis. General anesthesia is the norm.
Once your biceps tendon is cut, pain relief is almost immediate. Your tendon could grow longer over time and become less tight, which can also help avoid additional pain.
Needle tenotomy, also called percutaneous needle tenotomy, is a different approach that involves using sterile treatment needles to remove damaged pieces of tendon or prompt your body’s natural healing response.
It can be a good option if you want to avoid cutting or reattaching the tendon. A local anesthetic is all that’s needed for this option.
If you’ve tried every self-care option you can think of to relieve biceps tendon pain and are still struggling, it may be time to consider more advanced treatment options.
Kristofer J. Jones, MD, is happy to discuss your goals and can help you find the right path for your needs. Booking a visit is as simple as a quick phone call or a few moments on our online scheduling page.
