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Help....should I have a shoulder tenodesis/or tenotomy???

Posted , 6 users are following.

terri22212
terri22212

I am a very physical 63 year old woman, with muscular arms! I have torn the long arm of my biceps tendon. I have a choice between tenotomy (cutting the tendon surgically)...or a tenodesis(surgically reattaching the tendon).... Does anyone on here have personal experience with either of these proceedures? Thanks

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • ricochetred
    ricochetred terri22212

    Posted

    There is a lot of information online about the procedures pros and cons. I had a tenodesis. I did not have a choice or the opportunity to research as my surgeon made the decision during surgery. I had a torn rotator cuff and there was no MRI evidence of bicep tear prior to surgery so it was not discussed. When he went in with the scope, he determined that my bicep tendon was "shredded" so he did the tenodesis. I do wish we had had a discussion of that possibility so we could have discussed the various options available.  He did not do his "favorite approach" for the tenodesis. I did not ask him why not...but after reading the options, I probably would have chosen his "favorite option." Reason being, I still have issues with pain in the bicep tendon even a year post surgery. I am 58 and active as well. From what I have read, tenodesis is the preferred option over tenotomy for an active person who needs to do lifting. So, yes, I would have chosen tenodesis over tenotomy. But there seem to be several different techniques for the tenodesis. So maybe you should do some comparative reading and have a discussion with the surgeon as to which approach he would take and why. I am pretty sure my other bicep tendon is "shredded" and has been for a long time. yes, I have discomfort in it, but would not choose to have surgery for it because I seem to functioning. I didn't really have too much pain in my operated bicep prior to surgery but I do have more pain now. Everyone gets along differently after surgery and have different situations going into it. It's easy to get confused by reading too much, but having some information is helpful. Mostly best to get your information from the professionals because too much anecdotal information can be confusing. Wish you the best outcome whichever way you go. 

     

    • terri22212
      terri22212 ricochetred

      Posted

      Thanks for the info! One surgeon does a technique using a "button" type product for attaching the tendon onto the humerus..that is the procedure with the 2 week recovery..so only need a sling for 2 weeks.....the other surgeon I saw attached the tendon using a different approach/attachment procedure. That surgery has an 8 week recovery time..8 weeks in a sling!!!! I do not want to do that!! I'm sure with rotator cuff repair you had to endure that torture. Did your surgeon mention he used a "button" for the attachment? I certainly don't want to be in pain after going through the hassle of surgery. Thank you

    • ricochetred
      ricochetred terri22212

      Posted

      not sure if it was the button approach, but it was one of the approaches where they attach the tendon distal to the bicipital groove rather than running it through the bicipital groove. I believe there is also more than 1 approach for a distal attachment. Mine did go through the groove and was worked into the RC repair with a 4th anchor and and 2 row suture bridge. I think some of the pain I am experiencing is the tendon in the groove. I was in sling for 6 weeks. It was not fun. I would definitely go with the distal attachment approach if I had a choice especially if there is no rotator cuff tear. 
  • ImMiserable
    ImMiserable terri22212

    Posted

    Hey there what I can tell you is I play tennis 5 days a week I'm 64 years old and in great shape and I just had a rotator cuff tear repair but they also did a bicep slap tear tenodesis and I'm miserable and I want to tell you that didn't tell me about the pain levels to be ebndured here or the recovery time required. That's I don't know if it would have mattered cuz I couldn't play tennis anymore with the tears but this is an arduous painstaking uncomfortable stressful and painful deal. I don't think I'm ever going to be the same that's what I wanted to share with you my athletic years are probably behind me

  • Purrdy
    Purrdy terri22212

    Posted

    Hello I am hoping you will see this and have time to reply! Did you have either surgery? I am 63 year old female - not real muscular but works really hard and I am at a point I may need to do surgery in a hurry to survive the pain! I am looking at the tenotomy but am worried about the remaining strength in my arm. Although you would think one could strength train it back?!?

    Thanks in advance if you have any advice for me! PS I'm in Minnesota

  • inezk
    inezk terri22212

    Posted

    I had my tenodesis performed 3 months ago. Some of the original (pre surgery pain) is gone, however overall I feel way worse. My ROM is very limited - forward flexion is at 90 degrees is done correctly (and at 115-120 if done with weird back and spine bending). I had a follow up with the surgeon yesterday, and didn't get cleared for strengthening training. I wonder if other folks had similar, slow progress, but in the end recovered just fine. Also, I'm relatively young - mid thirties.

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