Biceps Tendon Conditions
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
56 Kifisias Ave. & Delfon St.,
Marousi, 15125
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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What Is the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon?
The biceps brachii tendon is a cylindrical structure located within the shoulder joint that connects the biceps brachii muscle to the glenoid (the socket portion of the shoulder joint). The biceps tendon is in close contact with the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder.
Biceps Tendon Conditions
The long head of the biceps tendon may develop tendinitis (inflammation), a partial or complete tear, and instability.
Symptoms of Biceps Tendon Conditions
Patients may experience the following symptoms:
- Severe pain on the front of the shoulder.
- Night pain that wakes the patient, especially if they sleep on the affected shoulder.
- Severe and persistent pain even when the shoulder is not moving.
- Weakness of the upper limb.
How Is the Diagnosis Made?
A patient with biceps tendon conditions requires assessment by a specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr Leonidou will take a detailed medical history and examine you. The doctor will perform an ultrasound scan of the shoulder to assess the integrity of the tendon, the presence of fluid, as well as any other possible shoulder injuries. In some cases, an MRI scan of the shoulder may be required.
Conservative Treatment
The initial treatment is conservative and includes the following:
- Rest and activity modification
- Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Physiotherapy and a home exercise programme.
- Injection of medications or biological healing factors under ultrasound guidance
Indications for Surgical Treatment
- Failure of conservative treatment
- Presence of a partial or complete tendon tear
- Presence of other associated conditions, such as tears of other shoulder tendons.
Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatment fails, shoulder arthroscopy offers a definitive solution with excellent functional outcomes. Shoulder arthroscopy involves 3 incisions, each 4 millimetres long. Through these incisions, a camera with cold light and the necessary instruments are inserted into the shoulder. Exclusively by Dr Leonidou’s team, patients are offered the option of undergoing shoulder arthroscopy without general anaesthesia and without sedation. The specialist anaesthesiologist will administer regional anaesthesia, and the patient will remain awake during the procedure. During the operation, the inflammation is removed and, if a tear is present, the tendon is fixed in a new position so that it no longer causes pain (tenodesis). At the same time, any other existing shoulder conditions are also treated (such as a tear of another tendon).
How Successful Is the Surgery?
Arthroscopic treatment of conditions affecting the long head of the biceps brachii is a safe and bloodless procedure with extremely low complication rates and excellent functional outcomes. The patient is discharged from the hospital a few hours after the operation, wearing a sling for 3 days.
What Is the Cost? How Much Does the Surgery Cost?
The cost is quite affordable. For more information, please contact us.
If you have biceps tendinitis, consult the specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad and specialises in shoulder conditions.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.