Inflammation of the biceps tendon is known as biceps tendinitis. It usually develops from overuse over time. Biceps tendinitis often occurs with another shoulder injury, like a rotator cuff tear or labral tear.
Biceps tendinitis results in pain felt at the front of the shoulder. Patients may also notice weakness in the arm. A thorough evaluation by a health care provider will help determine a diagnosis, and if there are any other shoulder problems.
Treatment for biceps tendinitis will vary from patient to patient. Rest and strengthening exercises for the shoulder may help. But if pain continues, surgery may be needed.
Biceps tenodesis is a surgery for biceps tendinitis. A surgeon will cut the biceps tendon and reattach it elsewhere on the upper arm with an anchor or metal button. This can help reduce strain on the biceps tendon.
Advances in shoulder surgery allow a biceps tenodesis to be completed using arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a camera and small instruments to reattach the tendon to the upper arm bone.
