Biceps Tenodesis

SOMOS (Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons) · Tri-Service Orthopedics & Physical Therapy Consultants

Weight-Bearing

N/A (Upper Extremity)

Key Restrictions

Sling except rehab x2 wks, wean by 4 wks; no resistance shoulder ABD/FLEX x4 wks; no active elbow flex or forearm sup >5 lbs x4 wks; no resisted elbow flex >10 lbs wks 4-8, >15 lbs wks 8-12; avoid preacher curls; RTS 4-9 months

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (wks 0-4): sling except rehab, no resistance ABD/FLEX, no active elbow flex >5 lbs — PROM/AAROM, pendulums, scapular mobs, hand squeezes, elbow/wrist AROM, shoulder isometrics (2-finger), BFR uninvolved/LE, recumbent bike; Phase 2 (wks 4-12): d/c sling wk 4, no resisted elbow flex >10 lbs wks 4-8 / >15 lbs wks 8-12 — ROM, trunk stabilization NWB, scapular strengthening, RC PREs within precautions, bike then elliptical/treadmill; Phase 3 (months 3-6): high reps/low weight bicep curls, avoid preacher curls — advanced functional training (lift/pull/carry/climb); pass service fitness test 6 months; RTS 4-9 months

Notes

Tri-Service guidelines (Army/Navy/Air Force); published May 2020; military population; RTS aggressive military training 4-9 months

Surgeon / Author

Tri-Service Orthopedics & Physical Therapy Consultants

Published

2020