What are the trade-offs between biceps tenodesis and tenotomy for refractory long head of the biceps disorders?

Doctor’s answer

Both tenodesis and tenotomy provide reliable relief of anterior shoulder pain from biceps pathology. Tenotomy is technically simpler with rapid recovery, though a minority of patients notice a cosmetic muscle bulge ('Popeye' deformity) or occasional cramping. Tenodesis maintains resting muscle length and reduces the rate of visible deformity, making it popular in active or cosmetically concerned patients, while overall long-term pain relief is generally similar between both approaches.

This content is for education. Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation require an individual assessment by a sports medicine specialist.