Biceps Tenodesis

Gundersen Health System (GLSM) · Gundersen Lutheran Sports Medicine

Weight-Bearing

Sling x 3-4 wks, D/C per MD; may use up to 6 wks during ADLs and work as a precaution

Key Restrictions

No isolated resisted biceps contraction x 6 wks (no resisted elbow flexion, eccentric elbow extension, or forearm supination); no lifting, carrying or lowering objects >1 lb Phase I; no turning door knobs, using a screwdriver, or opening jars; no quick or sudden movements; no behind the back movements; shoulder AROM elevation limited to 0-90 deg x 4 wks; no overhead strengthening until wk 10-12

Timeline & Phases

3 phases: Phase I (0-6 wks, protected phase, elbow PROM day 2, elbow/shoulder AAROM day 7, shoulder AROM wk 2, triceps wk 4), Phase II (6-12 wks, full AROM by wk 8, biceps curls bilateral supported wk 6, unsupported wk 7, unilateral wk 8, overhead strengthening wk 10-11 if needed), Phase III (12-16 wks, strength, power, plyometrics, return to sport); full strength goal 12-16 wks

Notes

Evidence-based; for biceps tenodesis with or without debridement procedures (subacromial decompression, acromioplasty, distal clavicle excision); if done with rotator cuff repair, follow the rotator cuff protocol instead; return to sport needs MD approval, full ROM and 90% isokinetic strength; interval throwing 3 months, pitching off a mound 4.5 months, golf 3-4 months, basketball/volleyball 4-5 months; desk work 2-4 wks, moderate lifting ADLs 2-4 months

Surgeon / Author

Gundersen Lutheran Sports Medicine

Published

March 2011