hat is the Biceps Tendon and Why is it Important?

The biceps tendon connects your biceps muscle (the muscle at the front of your upper arm) to the bones in your shoulder and elbow. There are two tendons at the shoulder:

• The long head of the biceps tendon

• The short head of the biceps tendon

The long head tendon runs through the shoulder joint and is often the one that becomes irritated or torn.

This tendon helps with:

• Shoulder stability

• Lifting and pulling

• Rotating your arm (like turning a key or reaching overhead)

When it becomes damaged or inflamed, you may feel:

• Pain in the front of the shoulder

• Weakness during activity

• A popping or clicking sensation

• A visible bump ("Popeye deformity") if the tendon ruptures

How is the Procedure Done?

Biceps tenodesis is a surgery that removes the damaged portion of the long head of the biceps tendon and reattaches it to the upper arm bone (humerus).

Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens:

1. A small incision is made near the shoulder or upper arm.

2. The damaged tendon is gently removed from the shoulder joint.

3. The healthy part of the tendon is reattached to the humerus bone using a small screw or anchor.

4. The incision is closed, and the arm is bandaged.

Biceps tenodesis is often done to relieve shoulder pain and improve arm function when other treatments haven’t worked. If you're active or want to avoid the cosmetic "Popeye" bump, this surgery may be the right option.