Diseases / Injuries of the Long Biceps Tendon - CENTRE FOR ORTHOPAEDICS, SPORTS MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION - Dr. Erich H. Rembeck

Diseases / Injuries of the Long Biceps Tendon

Aim of the treatment

Detachments of the biceps tendon from its origin may be sutured arthroscopically (so-called SLAP repair). In case of irreversible damage, the tendon is cut at its attachment and newly sutured back to the capsule arthroscopically (so-called biceps tendon tenodesis). With older patients without the need for much power, the mere cutting of the damaged biceps tendon is sufficient (so-called biceps tendon tenotomy). The tendon then glides out of the joint, gets stuck and scars over - the pain is eased.

Inpatient treatment

The duration of inpatient treatment is about 4 - 5 days.

Aftercare

After a temporary immobilisation of the shoulder (as a rule 24 hours), the shoulder joint is treated early by means of physiotherapy. In case of biceps tendon tenodesis and SLAP repair, the biceps muscle must not be strongly flexed for 6 weeks. After SLAP repair, the arm is immobilised using an abduction splint for 3 weeks. Therapy takes between 10 and 12 weeks. The earliest time to resume a sport-specific programme and training is 12 weeks after the SLAP repair.

Inability to work

Patients performing heavy physical work will need the full rehabilitation time before returning to work. Driving is possible after 4 - 6 weeks.