Information for Patients

Pathology of the proximal biceps tendon describes tendon instability, tearing, inflammation, and/or chronic degeneration, all of which can cause significant shoulder pain and dysfunction. In older, less active patients, conservative treatment is routinely chosen because it results in little functional loss and a mild cosmetic deformity. However, in the young active patient, a biceps tenodesis should be performed. Numerous biceps tenodesis techniques have been described in the literature. This article describes three of the most commonly used procedures: arthroscopic tenodesis to bone, arthroscopic fixation to soft tissue, and an open subpectoral approach to fixation. Typically, surgeon preference and comfort with the procedure dictate which technique is ultimately chosen. Excellent early results have been reported for all three methods.