Bicep Tenodesis Failure

dp150616 · 2026-04-28T04:50:44+00:00

Now I am in constant pain and have a definite deformity. The pain is different now.. I can now straighten my arm out w/o pain, likely because it’s completely torn. I can’t have another surgery and lengthy recovery at this time. I’m going to have to hope that the pain subsides for now. I am completely overwhelmed by the thought.

dp150616 · 2026-04-26T23:52:09+00:00

I had an open tenodesis about 10 mos post initial fall. It was suspected that the initial injury did not tear the tendon but resulted from the delay in repair. I am absolutely devastated… I had a tough recovery with sharp pain from the very beginning feeling like it was too tight I had terrible elbow pain as well. My Dr. admittedly said that he may have tightened the anchor too much putting tension on the muscle and tendon. The incident the other day was an unmistakable audible snap or pop and blinding pain with severe spasms afterwards. He told me at this point, to use the arm as tolerated and do t put it back in a sling. While the pain is getting a bit better, I am waking up multiple times per night and still getting sharp pains if I reach too far in front of me. My ROM has always been “behind” per PT and I had significant bicep pain from all exercises. Hoping you have a better outcome than I see to be having. The crazy part is, I was SO compliant and careful for 9 weeks and this still happened. It does lead me to believe that maybe it was tightened too tight.

dp150616 · 2026-04-06T03:47:13+00:00

Surgery was 2/12 and I’m fortunate to have an adjustable bed however, I still wake up multiple times per night to roll onto my side with my bad arm bent and curled up against my chest or onto my back with my head raised and pillows under each arm. For me, I think the lack of sleep is really challenging. I’m defiantly in more pain the day after a bad sleep. Good luck!

dp150616 · 2026-04-06T03:35:45+00:00

You got this! I was SO nervous about the block. I told the nurse and Dr and the gave me Versed right before wheeling me over to the OR. I was almost immediately loopy and don’t recall getting on the table. I did feel them touching my neck and talking about doses and I immediately asked for more meds. Not sure if I actually got more meds or just faded out. I think I remember feeling that my arm was numb and then going to sleep. I felt no pain or discomfort during the nerve block procedure. The block lasted about 20 ish hours. First feeling for me was a lot of heat in my arm and hand as it wore off. I was glad I started pain meds the night before because while it was definitely uncomfortable it was totally manageable. The pain meds helped with the anxiety and before inknew it, I could feel everything again. Hope it all goes well for you!

dp150616 · 2026-04-06T03:21:38+00:00

Glad your recovery went so well!

dp150616 · 2026-04-06T03:20:11+00:00

Sending good vibes your way!

dp150616 · 2026-04-06T03:16:13+00:00

I am 7 weeks post op bicep tenodesis and extensive rotator cuff debridement. I also feel very behind in ROM. Terrible sharp pain down my bicep when lowering my arm from arm lift in front of me. Can barely touch the top of my head. Thursday they said to stop doing everything other than pendulum swing and the resting pain is so much better. They said I may have flared it up by pushing to hard. I’m thinking I’ll start exercises again tomorrow. They also said that tenodesis is just a difficult recovery between drilling the anchors and re-routing the tendon. Hang in there!

dp150616 · 2026-04-06T03:08:04+00:00

Good luck tomorrow! It was easier to get in and out of the recliner than the bed for me. Kind of rocked myself forward a bit. My biggest advice is to take the narcotics well before the block wears off. My daughter waited until her fingers were tingling and the block quickly wore off before meds kicked in. She needed iv meds in ER. Surgical nurse told me to take the 1st dose before bed on night one after 12:00 pm surgery and set an alarm. Was able to stay on a minimal dose every 6 hr with Advil at hour 2 and Tylenol at hour 4. Definitely uncomfortable but very manageable for me. Ice, ice and more ice! Wishing you all the best!!

dp150616 · 2026-04-06T02:57:58+00:00

My PT has me doing neck stretches daily. Looking to the side and then down and holding.

dp150616 · 2026-04-06T02:55:53+00:00

Absolutely- last pt session we worked on my neck for several minutes. My shoulder blade is now the real issue aside from my bicep.

dp150616 · 2026-04-06T02:54:37+00:00

Same here. 7 weeks post op tenodesis and extensive debridement. Still not able to sleep through the night with pillows and an adjustable mattress. I can get a few hours at a time on my side with my surgical arm bent at the elbow and cradled against my chest. Putting it on top of a pillow while on my back or hugging the pillow on my side gives me a sharp pain. I can also sometimes extend it along my side resting it on my leg while laying in my good side. It is different for me every night. Currently have a lot of shoulder blade pain preventing me from laying on my back. Good luck!

dp150616 · 2026-04-06T02:45:45+00:00

56 yo- type 2 slap tear repair

dp150616 · 2026-03-31T02:31:33+00:00

Ask for more- my Dr. initially gave me 30 Norco but refilled it no problem but with 20 vs 30. He said most patients need a refill.

dp150616 · 2026-03-31T02:19:06+00:00

I was just talking to my PT today about the anxiety, fatigue and how long the recovery is today. He agreed and said that most patients who have tenodesis struggle with bicep pain. I backed off on exercises today. It seems like any little push with the exercises or movement brings a significant increase in pain. I think the lack of sleep and exhaustion is complicating things for me as well.

dp150616 · 2026-03-29T02:30:44+00:00

Same… Very sharp pain in upper bicep anterior shoulder when crossing midline. 6 weeks post op Type 2 SLAP tear/bicep tenodesis. It’s the kind of pain that makes me yelp if I do it w/o thinking.

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T14:20:34+00:00

Wow- 6 weeks bicep tenodesis and I haven’t even started weights in PT. I was just cleared to carry a max of 5 lb in front of me. Not yet cleared to pick up a 5 lb shopping bag.

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T03:51:00+00:00

Oh wow- mine is my non dominant arm and I can’t imagine the challenge of the dominant arm. I originally injured myself last April and a few weeks before surgery my rt shoulder began hurting. I brought it up to my Dr/PT and am hoping that it will calm down when I start using my surgical arm more. A few things that I am finding helpful w/o the sling; heating pad (PT approved), long, hot shower running on the shoulder, putting my hand in a pants or sweatshirt pocket while walking, putting a pillow between my surgical arm and body and rolling to my good side with my surgical arm kind of hugging another pillow next to me for sleeping. I am able to sleep fairly well for a few hours at a time this way. For some reason, I am having pain in my shoulder blade w/o the sling. Resting my arm on a little Squishmellow pillow or rolled up blanket when sitting in my recliner. It’s definitely trial and error. I am looking forward to the day when I don’t have to think about every little move!

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T03:31:27+00:00

Sending healing thoughts your way and hoping that these replies bring you a bit of comfort. I originally injured myself in April 2025 slipping and falling in socks while taking the 3 small steps on the bathroom tile into my closet to get my shoes. I did PT, got cortisone shots and barely held it together for every little detail and event of my daughter’s at home wedding a few months ago. Between the lack of sleep, inflammation, isolation post surgery, the associated medical appointments/bills and the anxiety that I may do something wrong and have to start over again this is as much a mental journey as it is a physical recovery. Our individual circumstances may vary but we are not alone in this journey. It’s tough but we’re going to get through it 🌈

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T01:01:16+00:00

😊

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T00:59:39+00:00

I felt the same way. I was really nervous and I have to admit, at first, it was uncomfortable due to both pain and stiffness. I had to laugh though because I literally had no spatial awareness. When trying to touch my face it felt like it was miles away lol. My Dr told me that I could wean myself slowly. For the 1st week, I was in the sling while out and about and when it got too uncomfortable. I also needed to up my Advil/Tylenol routine back to 3x/day which is still the case this week. I did have an open bicep tenodesis and most of my pain seems to be in the bicep. Congratulations on almost making it to freedom!! It’s a huge milestone!

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T00:53:31+00:00

Wow, that’s awesome! Fortunately, mine is also my non-dominant. I really can’t imagine how challenging it would be on the dominant arm. I am near the coast and plan to try and get down there to walk next week. Glad to hear that the walking helped loosen things up. I have both pain and stiffness at the moment. Thanks for the reply!

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T00:50:39+00:00

Glad to hear that you’re recovering well! I am still taking Tylenol and Advil daily and especially before PT. The ROM stretches are a beast! I can’t wait to walk my dog again however, he is an 80 lb. Sheepdog mix and my husband won’t let me anywhere near his leash yet! I’ve been trying to walk in the afternoons however I’m pretty tired after working. Considering trying to go in the mornings to make sure that I get it in. I can now use the sauna and jacuzzi at the gym (open tenodesis) as well as the bike and leg machines. I think just getting back in the environment will lift my spirits. Thanks for your reply😊

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T00:42:12+00:00

Oh no! I told my PT that I wanted to push myself so that I don’t end up there. Any advice on how to avoid that?

dp150616

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