Bicep Tendon Disorders Specialist in Kirkland, WA

Types of Bicep Tendon Disorders

Bicep tendons attach the muscle to the shoulder and elbow bones and can be affected by rotator cuff disorders and tendonitis.

The biceps muscle has two points of origin at the shoulder:

• The short head of the biceps – attaches on the coracoid process of the scapula, which is outside the shoulder joint. It is rarely a source of shoulder pain.
• The long head of the biceps – attaches at the top of the shoulder socket (glenoid) and labrum.

Bicep Tendonitis and Bicep Tears

The long head of the biceps tendon is near the rotator cuff tendons and is frequently affected in rotator cuff disorders. It is a common source of shoulder pain. Biceps pain can occur from tendinitis, irritation or inflammation of the tendon in the bicipital groove, or tendon tears.

How Do You Treat Bicep Tendonitis or a Bicep Tear?

Nonoperative treatments for pain in the biceps tendon include physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. If nonoperative treatment is unsuccessful, your surgeon may consider arthroscopic treatment to re-anchor the tendon back on the bone. The biceps tendon can either be released from its insertion (tenotomy) or released and secured in a new location on the humerus bone (tenodesis).