Biceps Tendon Surgery in Wayne, New Jersey

Your biceps tendon plays a critical role in the function of your arm. If yours may be injured, seek help from one of the experienced physicians and surgeons at High Mountain Orthopedics. Our team serves New Jersey from state-of-the-art office in Wayne. Our biceps tendon surgery can relieve pain and restore mobility, helping you return to a functional and fulfilling life.

Understanding Biceps Injuries

The biceps tendon is a rope of fibrous tissue that connects the biceps muscle to the scapula (shoulder blade). It is essential to the muscle’s operation, and the tendon enables you to bend the elbow and rotate your forearm, increasing strength and dexterity. Biceps tendon injuries are painful and may interfere with this function. Common signs of an injured or ruptured biceps tendon include:

• A sudden “pop” sound or sensation at the time of the injury
• Bruising and tenderness affecting the upper arm
• Loss of strength in the shoulder and elbow
• A bulging deformity in the biceps
• Cramping in the biceps after strenuous use
• Pain that worsens when turning the hand palm-up

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a skilled orthopedist.

Causes and Risk Factors

Most biceps tendon tears or related conditions have one of two causes: injury or overuse. Tendons may suddenly tear when the patient falls hard on an outstretched arm or lifts a too-heavy object. Damage may also accumulate over time through overuse of the joint, resulting in a range of problems including tendonitis or shoulder impingement. While injury- and overuse-related issues can affect anyone, certain factors contribute to a patient’s risk. These include:

• Inactivity: If patients suddenly strain their arms after an extended period of inactivity, their biceps tendon is unprepared for the added stress. This increases the risk of an injury.
• Occupation: Certain careers often lead to overuse of the shoulder tendon. These include warehouse jobs, shelf stocking, and any work requiring frequent overhead lifting. Weightlifting may also increase risk.
• Age: Connective tissue breaks down as patients age, losing its elasticity, and becoming brittle. Accordingly, older patients’ tendons may easily tear under minimal stress.
• Smoking: Heavy nicotine intake from smoking has been proven to reduce the nutrition needed for healthy tendons, leaving them weakened and susceptible to damage.

Biceps Tendon Surgery

Many patients’ tendon injuries can improve over time and with conservative treatments. For severe injuries and for patients who want a faster return to work or sports, however, surgery is a proven solution. The surgical process at High Mountain Orthopedics includes:

1. A local anesthetic is given to numb the shoulder and allow you to stay awake through the procedure.
2. Our surgeon makes one or more small incisions over the tendon.
3. Surgeons carefully trim the tendon’s damaged edge to prevent further fraying.
4. Torn tendons are stitched back into place. Severely damaged tissue may be removed and replaced with a graft from elsewhere in the body.

There’s no need to stay overnight after surgery, and patients return home the same day. After a few days, you will begin physical therapy to progressively build strength and mobility. The goal is an unrestricted return to normal activity within 14 to 20 weeks after the procedure.

Begin Your Recovery

If you or a loved one is struggling with a damaged biceps tendon, contact us and schedule an appointment at High Mountain Orthopedics. We offer award-winning biceps tendon surgery to repair injuries for patients throughout Wayne.