Bicep Shoulder Surgery: Understanding the Procedure & Recovery

Bicep shoulder surgery is required when the tendon connecting the bicep to the shoulder is ruptured, usually due to years of wear and tear.

Symptoms

• The symptoms associated with a bicep tear at the shoulder include: sudden sharp pain in the upper arm, a popping sound, a bulge in the arm and bruising.

Diagnosis

• A doctor can usually tell through a physical examination if the bicep shoulder tendon is completely torn, but an MRI may be necessary to diagnose partial tears.

Partial Tear Treatment

• Some doctors may prescribe arthroscopic treatment for partial tears but usually all that is needed is ice and anti-inflammatory medicine.

Complete Tear Treatment

• For complete tears, arthroscopic surgery is required. This involves re-attaching the bicep tendon to the shoulder.

Recovery

• Bicep stretching exercises can begin as soon as two weeks after surgery, but strenuous bicep exercises are usually restricted for roughly six months.