Shoulder & elbow · Biceps tendon

Biceps tenodesis

Biceps tenodesis is an arthroscopic procedure that relocates the damaged proximal biceps tendon out of the shoulder joint and re-anchors it to the upper arm bone using Q-FIX™ knotless anchor technology — addressing biceps-related shoulder pain while preserving arm strength and function. Consultations with our fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later. Sling protection comes first, with progressive rehab and return to full activities typically over 3–4 months.

At Pathway, our fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons perform biceps tenodesis. Consultations are available in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later.

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230

Q-FIX™ knotless anchors
Preserves arm strength & function
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Patient carrying a shoulder bag comfortably after biceps tenodesis recovery

5.0 from 250+ reviews

Preserves arm strength

At a glance

Q-FIX™ knotless anchors
Preserves arm strength & function
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Patient stories

Recovery, in their words.

5.0 from 250+ patient reviews

I had bicep tendon and rotator cuff re-attachment with Dr. Abouali. Pathway bridged all the roadblocks I encounter with the provincial system. My physiotherapist says my recovery results are the best he’s seen.

Brad Blanchard

Biceps tenodesis & rotator cuff repair

Had complete bicep tendon tear and time-sensitive surgery. Dr. Alolabi repaired my bicep tendon and rotator cuff. I feel like Bucky from the Avengers! I’m on week 3 and have had very little pain. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Brian McLeod

Bicep tendon & supraspinatus repair

What is biceps tenodesis?

The long head of the biceps tendon runs through the shoulder joint and can become a source of pain due to inflammation, fraying, or tearing. This commonly occurs alongside rotator cuff problems or as a result of repetitive overhead motion.

Biceps tenodesis releases the damaged portion of the tendon from inside the shoulder and reattaches it to the upper arm bone (humerus) in a new position. This removes the pain source while preserving arm strength and function.

Common indications

Biceps tendinitis that hasn’t improved
Partial biceps tendon tears
SLAP tears (in some patients)
Pain at the front of the shoulder

Anchor technology

Q-FIX™ knotless anchor system.

Secure fixation for reliable tendon healing.

Our surgeons re-anchor the biceps tendon with the Q-FIX™ knotless anchor system, providing secure fixation for reliable tendon healing.

Knotless design — smooth, low-profile repair without bulky knots
Strong fixation — secure hold while the tendon heals to bone
Preserves strength — maintains biceps muscle power and arm function

Q-FIX™ Knotless Anchor System

Secure fixation designed to hold the relocated tendon to the humerus while it heals to bone.

What to expect

The procedure.

Biceps tenodesis is performed in four main steps.

1

Tendon release

The damaged portion of the biceps tendon is released from inside the shoulder joint
2

New attachment site

A site on the humerus is prepared through a small incision
3

Tendon fixation

The tendon is secured to the bone using fixation anchors
4

Confirmation

Secure fixation and shoulder movement are verified

Your surgeons

Our biceps tenodesis specialists.

Fellowship-trained shoulder & upper-extremity surgeons.

Dr. Bashar Alolabi

Shoulder & upper extremity

Dr. Jihad Abouali

Shoulder sports medicine

Read full surgeon profiles

Your recovery

Recovery after biceps tenodesis.

2–4 weeks
1

2–4 weeks

Sling

Protect the repair
4–8 weeks
2

4–8 weeks

Motion

Restore range of motion
8–12 weeks
3

8–12 weeks

Strengthening

Gradual biceps loading
3–4 months
4

3–4 months

Full activities

Return to normal use

2–4 weeks

Sling

Protect the repair

8–12 weeks

Strengthening

Gradual biceps loading

3–4 months

Full activities

Return to normal use

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Biceps tenodesis releases the damaged portion of the long head of the biceps tendon from inside the shoulder and reattaches it to the upper arm bone (humerus) in a new position. This removes the pain source while preserving arm strength and function.

Common indications include biceps tendinitis that has not improved, partial biceps tendon tears, SLAP tears in some patients, and pain at the front of the shoulder.

A sling protects the repair initially, with range of motion restored over the following weeks and gradual biceps loading from 8-12 weeks. Most patients return to normal use of the arm by 3-4 months.

No referral is required. You can book a consultation with our surgeons directly.

Biceps tenodesis

Recovery, in their words.