Consequences of a tenotomy | Tenotomy

Consequences of a tenotomy

In principle, tenotomy is a low-complication procedure that is performed without significant consequences. Only limited mobility and a reduction in strength are sometimes complained of by patients. Since tenotomy is usually performed without significant consequences, unrestricted follow-up treatment is also possible.

The rehabilitation can be carried out well and painlessly. Cosmetic consequences after a tenotomy also occur rather rarely. Unless it is a tenotomy of the long biceps tendon, in which case a Popeye phenomenon may occur.

It should be noted that, depending on the cause of the symptoms, a tenotomy is not always a permanent solution to the problem and that the symptoms may creep back after some time. A tenotomy of the long biceps tendon pursues, among other things, the treatment goal of freedom from pain both at rest and under stress. This is usually also achieved.

Unfortunately, however, the procedure can have a few unwanted and less pleasant consequences. These include, among other things, a reduction in strength and even a loss of strength in the elbow joint, even though the short biceps tendon accounts for the greater part of this. In addition to the reduced strength, there is also a slight restriction of mobility.

In addition to the functional consequences, visible changes in the upper arm can also occur after the tenotomy of the long biceps tendon. This is known as the “popey-sign” or in English “Popeye phenomenon”. The muscle belly of the biceps slides down when the long biceps tendon is severed, making the biceps look surprisingly voluminous, just like Popeye when he ate his spinach.

However, the Popeye phenomenon after a tenotomy of the long biceps tendon is more associated with a cosmetic problem than a loss of strength. This is due to the fact that, as mentioned, the short biceps tendon accounts for a large part of the force transmission to the elbow joint. Optically, the Popeye phenomenon is also mainly only visible in slim patients due to a tenotomy.