Biceps Tenodesis

Indications:

• For damaged and partially torn long head of biceps tendon. The tendon is transposed from it's origin on the glenoid to the humerus, with screws or anchors.

Note: If a biceps tenodesis is performed as part of a rotator cuff repair, follow the Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol

Protocol:

• Pre-operative rehabilitation is advisable

Post Operation:

Day 1-3 Weeks

• Mastersling.
• Teach postural awareness and scapular setting
• Regain scapula & glenohumeral stability working for shoulder joint control rather than range
• Core stabiliity exercises (as appropriate)
• Finger, wrist and radio ulnar movements
• Active elbow flexion & extension in standing as tolerated
• Active shoulder movement as tolerated
• Avoid resisted elbow flexion and forced passive extension

3-6 Weeks

• Wean off sling
• Assess kinetic chain control and provide exercises as required 
• Strengthen rotator cuff muscles
• Start elbow flexion with light resistance, as tolerated

6 Weeks +

• Eccentric biceps exercises with scapula control if required

12 Weeks +

• Biceps strengthening exercises.

Milestones

Week 6

• Full Active range of shoulder & elbow motion

Week 12

• Full active range of elbow and shoulder movement with dynamic scapula stability throughout range (Concentric and eccentric)
• Return to functional activities

Return to work

• Sedentary job: as tolerated
• Manual job: 3 months

Driving

• 6-8 weeks

Swimming

• Breaststroke: 6 weeks
• Freestyle: 12 weeks

Golf

• 3 Months

Lifting

• Avoid lifting heavy items for 3 months.

Contact/High Impact Sports (e.g. Rugby League, AFL, martial arts, racket sports and Surfing)

• 3 months

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