Tenotomy of the long biceps tendon

Long biceps tendon complaints that cannot be controlled by conservative treatment often require a tenotomy of the long biceps tendon. This also applies to serious injuries for which conservative treatment is not promising. In general, a tenotomy is only necessary for the long biceps tendon to treat complaints, as this runs through the joint space in comparison to the short biceps tendon.

Thus, the probability of injury or overloading of the long biceps tendon is much higher than for the short biceps tendon. There are several indications for performing a tenotomy on the long biceps tendon. A common reason is the degenerative change in the tendon, which is known as tendopathy.

The word tendopathy implies that this is not an inflammatory process, but that the symptoms are primarily based on degeneration, i.e. wear and tear, and heavy strain. In contrast, inflammatory processes or rheumatic diseases can also cause pain in the long biceps tendon. A tenotomy may also be necessary for the so-called “impingement syndrome“.

This is a bottleneck syndrome in the area of the acromion and the head of humerus, which can irritate and irritate structures passing through it, such as the long biceps tendon. In general, athletes such as volleyball players and climbers are particularly prone to complaints of the long biceps tendon. Electricians or painters who work overhead are also predisposed to lesions on the long biceps tendon.In young patients, the long biceps tendon is usually sutured to a different location, usually in the capsule area, after being severed.

This procedure is called tenodesis. In older patients, however, tenotomy is the only procedure. This is because the tendon grows by itself in the form of scarring over time, which is sufficient for the low strength requirements in old age.

Tenotomy may also be necessary in the case of the so-called “impingement syndrome“. This is a bottleneck syndrome in the area of the acromion and the head of humerus, which can irritate and irritate structures passing through it, such as the long biceps tendon. In general, athletes such as volleyball players and climbers are particularly prone to complaints of the long biceps tendon.

Electricians or painters who work overhead are also predisposed to lesions on the long biceps tendon. Incidentally, in young patients, the long biceps tendon is usually sutured to another site, usually in the capsule area, after being severed. This procedure is called tenodesis. In older patients, however, tenotomy is the only procedure. This is because the tendon grows by itself in the form of scarring over time, which is sufficient for the low strength requirements in old age.