At Shoreline Orthopaedics, our orthopaedic surgeons use a truly collaborative approach so our patients have the benefit of multiple expert opinions, without having to go elsewhere to obtain them.
Shoreline Orthopaedics provides more comprehensive services, state-of-the-art options, technologies and techniques than anyone else in the area.
The following information is provided to help you understand what you can expect from us regarding policies and procedures, and also what is expected of you before and after treatment or procedures.
The following information is provided to help you gain a better understanding of anatomy, terminology, certain orthopaedic procedures, and more. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your physician.
The shoulder is a complex, ball-and-socket joint made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula), and collarbone (clavicle). The ball, or head, of the upper arm bone fits into a rounded socket (glenoid) in the shoulder blade. The shoulder socket (glenoid) is lined with a strong cartilage (labrum) that cushions the shoulder joint and adds stability.
The arm bone is kept centered in the shoulder socket by a combination of muscles and tendons (rotator cuff). The rotator cuff covers the head of the upper arm bone and attaches it to the shoulder blade.
The muscle in the front of the upper arm (biceps) helps keep the shoulder stable and allows movement such as bending an elbow and rotating an arm. The biceps muscle is attached to bones in the shoulder by two tendons. The long head of the biceps tendon (upper biceps tendon) is a strong, cord-like structure that connects the upper end of the biceps muscle to the top of the shoulder socket. The short head of the biceps tendon attaches to a bump on the shoulder blade (coracoid process).
Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury, disease, overuse or degeneration, and it often causes swelling, pain or irritation. Inflammation of a tendon is called tendinitis. An inflammation or irritation of the upper biceps tendon is called long head of biceps tendinitis.
Common symptoms of upper biceps tendinitis include:
Surgery for biceps tendinitis is usually performed arthroscopically. During this minimally invasive procedure, your orthopaedic surgeon will make very small incisions around your shoulder.
With any surgery there are some risks, and these vary from person to person. Complications are typically minor, treatable and unlikely to affect your final outcome. Your orthopaedic surgeon will speak to you prior to surgery to explain any potential risks and complications that may be associated with your procedure.