Biceps Tenodesis Surgery in Pearland, TX

What Is Biceps Tenodesis?

Your biceps muscle has two tendons that connect it to the shoulder: the long head and the short head. The long head runs through a narrow groove at the front of the shoulder and attaches deep inside the joint. Because of where it sits, it’s prone to wear and tear, especially in people who do a lot of overhead work, throwing, weightlifting, or repetitive lifting on the job.

Biceps tenodesis is a procedure where Dr. Burke detaches the damaged portion of that long head tendon and reattaches it lower down to the humerus (upper arm bone), instead of inside the joint. This takes the tendon out of the “problem zone” and gives it a stronger, more stable place to heal. The result is usually less pain, better function, and a biceps that still works the way it should, without the source of irritation that was causing trouble in the first place.

When Is It Needed?

Dr. Burke typically recommends this surgery for patients dealing with:

• A SLAP tear (a tear where the biceps tendon attaches to the labrum) that hasn’t improved with conservative care
• Biceps tendonitis that keeps coming back despite rest, PT, or injections
• Tendon instability, where the biceps slips in and out of its groove
• Partial tears of the long head of the biceps tendon
• Ongoing anterior shoulder pain that traces back to the biceps rather than the rotator cuff
• As part of a larger shoulder procedure, when the biceps tendon is found to be damaged during rotator cuff repair or other shoulder work

As with most conditions we treat, surgery isn’t the first option we turn to. Dr. Burke will usually start with physical therapy, activity changes, or injections to see if the pain settles down on its own. If those options don’t get you the relief you need, that’s when tenodesis becomes a reasonable next step.

Two Approaches: Arthroscopic vs. Open

One of the first things patients want to know is how the surgery is done, and the answer is that it depends on your specific tear, your anatomy, and your shoulder’s condition. Dr. Burke offers both approaches and will walk you through which one makes sense for you.

Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis surgery is the more commonly used approach. Dr. Burke works through a few small incisions using a tiny camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments to release and reattach the tendon.

Because the incisions are small, patients generally see less scarring, less post-op discomfort, and a somewhat quicker return to daily activities. This is often the preferred option when the biceps issue is being addressed alongside other arthroscopic shoulder work, like a rotator cuff repair.

Open biceps tenodesis surgery uses a single, slightly larger incision, usually near the top of the biceps muscle. This approach gives Dr. Burke direct visual access and a very secure fixation point, which can be the better call for certain tear patterns, larger or more complex tendon damage, or when a strong, low-set attachment point is the priority.

This doesn’t mean more risk for the patient; it’s simply a different, well-established technique that’s chosen based on what will actually serve your shoulder best long-term. Both methods aim for the same outcome: a securely reattached tendon, relief from that deep anterior shoulder pain, and a biceps tendon that’s fully functional and ready for daily use.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

It is an outpatient procedure, so in most cases you’ll be heading home the same day. You’ll be under general anesthesia, and depending on whether Dr. Burke is going the arthroscopic or open route, the surgery generally takes somewhere between 45 minutes and a couple of hours. Before you leave, you’ll get clear instructions on your sling, activity restrictions, and what your first few follow-up visits will look like.

Recovery After Biceps Tenodesis Surgery

Recovery from biceps tenodesis isn’t instant, but it’s predictable, and Dr. Burke’s team will walk you through every phase.

• Weeks 1–2: Sling use, icing, and managing initial swelling and discomfort. Gentle passive motion may begin early.
• Weeks 2–6: Physical therapy ramps up, focused on restoring range of motion while protecting the healing tendon attachment.
• Weeks 6–12: Strengthening exercises begin, gradually rebuilding biceps and shoulder strength.
• 3+ Months: Most patients are back to normal daily activities. However, athletes or manual laborers can typically return to full activity in 5–6+ months, once strength testing clears them.

Every recovery timeline is a little different depending on your tear, your overall health, and how closely you stick with your physical therapy plan. Dr. Burke’s on-site physical therapy team works directly with him to track your progress and adjust as needed.

Why Choose Dr. Burke for Biceps Tenodesis Shoulder Surgery in Pearland, TX

Dr. Robert L. Burke is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a Certificate in Orthopedic Sports Medicine. He has over 35 years of experience treating shoulder and upper extremity conditions.

Dr. Burke has performed thousands of procedures, and his approach is straightforward: try conservative treatment first, and when surgery is genuinely the right call, use the technique that fits your specific injury.

Patients also appreciate the practical details that make care easier, like same-day and next-day appointments, and a team that takes the time to explain your MRI, your diagnosis, and your options in simple terms.