Surgery for a proximal biceps tendon tear fixes a tendon that is torn near the shoulder. The proximal biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder blade.
A biceps tendon treatment is usually done as arthroscopic surgery. Your doctor puts a lighted tube and other surgical tools through small cuts (incisions) in your shoulder. The lighted tube is called an arthroscope, or scope. Most people go home the same day of the surgery.
Your doctor may choose to do an open surgery. The doctor will make a 2- to 4-inch incision over your shoulder. If you have open surgery, you will probably stay in the hospital overnight.
In both surgeries, scars usually fade with time. The shape of your biceps should remain the same.
Your arm will be in a sling for about a month. You will need rehabilitation (rehab). This will probably start 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery and last for 2 to 3 months. It will take about 4 to 6 months for your shoulder to heal.
You may be able to do easy daily activities in 2 to 3 weeks, as long as you do not use your affected arm. Most people who work at a desk job can go back to work in 1 to 2 weeks. If you lift, push, or pull at work, you may be able to go back in 3 to 4 months. You should be able to throw objects and play sports 4 to 6 months after the surgery. How long your recovery takes depends on your injury and how well your rehab goes.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
You had surgery for a proximal biceps tendon tear. This surgery fixes a tendon that is torn near the shoulder.
You will feel tired for several days. Your shoulder will be swollen, and you may notice that your skin is a different color near the cut the doctor made (incision). Your hand and arm may also be swollen. This is normal and will go away in a few days. Depending on the medicine you had during the surgery, your entire arm may feel numb or like you can't move it. This goes away in 12 to 24 hours.
You will have stitches (sutures) and a bandage on your shoulder. You may be able to take off the bandage in about 3 days, or when your doctor tells you to. Your shoulder will also be in a sling for about 4 weeks. You may take the sling off when you dress or wash and during rehabilitation (rehab). If the sutures aren't the type that dissolve, your doctor will take them out 7 to 10 days after your surgery.
You will need rehab. This will probably start 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery and last for 2 to 3 months. It takes about 4 to 6 months before your shoulder heals.
You may be able to do easier daily activities in 2 to 3 weeks, as long as you don't use your affected arm. Most people who work at desk jobs can go back to work in 1 to 2 weeks. If you lift, push, or pull at work, you may be able to return in 3 to 4 months.
Most people can start activities with low risk of shoulder injury in about 3 months. Jogging is one example. If you play sports, training may also start at this time. Most baseball or softball players can begin a program to toss a ball lightly. It may take 6 to 12 months to return to normal throwing. How long it takes depends on how damaged your shoulder was and how well your rehab goes.
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