Biceps Surgery Outcomes
Proven results from biceps tenodesis procedures performed by Dr. Gobezie, with measurable improvements in pain relief and shoulder function
Biceps tenodesis is a highly effective surgical procedure for patients experiencing chronic biceps pain that hasn't responded to conservative treatment. At the Cleveland Shoulder Institute, Dr. Gobezie specializes in bicortical subpectoral biceps tenodesis, a technique that provides reliable pain relief and restores normal shoulder function for patients with biceps-related pathology.
Our patient outcome data demonstrates consistently excellent results, with significant improvements in pain levels and functional capacity within the first three months following surgery. These outcomes continue to improve through the one and two-year post-operative milestones, reflecting the long-term success of this procedure.
Understanding Biceps Tenodesis
Biceps tenodesis is a surgical procedure recommended for patients who have exhausted conservative treatment options and continue to experience pain and functional limitations. During this procedure, the surgeon detaches the biceps tendon from its attachment at the labrum (the cartilage ring around the shoulder socket) and reattaches it to the humerus (upper arm bone) at a location below the bicipital groove.
This technique addresses the root cause of pain by relocating the damaged or inflamed portion of the tendon to a more stable position. The result is decreased pain, restored strength, and improved shoulder mechanics. According to research published by the Arthroscopy Association, biceps tenodesis has become the preferred treatment for proximal biceps pathology due to its predictable outcomes and low complication rates.
Conditions Treated with Biceps Tenodesis
- Partial or full-thickness biceps tendon tears
- Biceps instability (subluxation or dislocation from the groove)
- SLAP lesions (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior tears)
- Chronic biceps tendinopathy unresponsive to conservative care
- Failed cortisone injection therapy
Most patients attempt conservative treatments first, including rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections. When these measures no longer provide adequate pain relief or functional improvement, biceps tenodesis offers a definitive surgical solution.
Surgical Approach
Dr. Gobezie performs biceps tenodesis using either an arthroscopic or mini-open technique, depending on the patient's specific anatomy and pathology. The bicortical subpectoral approach involves securing the tendon to the humerus using a small incision in the front of the arm, below the pectoralis muscle. This technique provides excellent tendon healing and minimizes the risk of persistent bicipital groove pain.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients go home the same day with a sling and begin a structured rehabilitation program within the first week. Most patients can return to desk work within one to two weeks and resume full activities within three to four months.
For detailed information about the surgical technique and post-operative care, download our surgical details handbook (PDF).
Evidence-Based Outcome Tracking
Dr. Gobezie is committed to measuring and improving patient outcomes through systematic data collection. Unlike many practices, the Cleveland Shoulder Institute tracks every patient's progress using validated, standardized questionnaires before surgery and at regular intervals afterward. This evidence-based approach allows us to quantify results and continuously refine our techniques.
We use three primary outcome measures to assess patient progress:
- Pain Scale (0-10): Patients rate their pain intensity from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain)
- SANE Score: Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation—patients rate their shoulder as a percentage of normal (0% to 100%)
- ASES Score: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons standardized score measuring pain and functional limitations on a 100-point scale
Research from the National Library of Medicine consistently demonstrates that surgeons who perform higher volumes of specific procedures achieve better patient outcomes. Dr. Gobezie performs more than 350 shoulder replacements and 400 arthroscopic shoulder procedures annually, making him one of the highest-volume shoulder specialists in the country.
Our Biceps Tenodesis Results
The following data represents outcomes from patients treated at the Cleveland Shoulder Institute who underwent arthroscopic biceps tenodesis. These results demonstrate significant, sustained improvements in both pain and function.
(out of 10)
(% of Normal)
(out of 100)
Pain Level Over Time
Pain scores indicate the patients' level of pain from pre-surgery through two years after surgery. All graphs show marked improvement in pain and function in the first 3 months after surgery. These outcomes continue to improve through one and two-year post-surgery milestones.
SANE Score (Shoulder Function)
The SANE score represents how patients rate their shoulder as a percentage of normal, from 0% to 100% with 100% being completely normal function. Our patients improve from an average of 40% to 76% of normal function.
ASES Score (Pain & Function)
The ASES score is a standard shoulder assessment that measures pain and functional limitations of daily activities on a 100-point scale. A maximum ASES score of 100 indicates minimal shoulder pain and maximal shoulder function. Our patients improve from an average of 44 to 83.
What These Results Mean for You
The outcome data from our practice demonstrates above-average patient-reported results in both pain relief and functional improvement. Patients who undergo biceps tenodesis at the Cleveland Shoulder Institute can expect:
- Significant pain reduction within the first three months
- Continued improvement through one and two years post-surgery
- Return to daily activities and sports with restored strength
- High patient satisfaction rates
Dr. Gobezie's high surgical volume translates to refined technique, fewer complications, and better value-based care—meaning better outcomes at competitive cost. His experience with biceps pathology spans thousands of cases, giving patients confidence in their surgical decision.
Experiencing Biceps Pain?
If you're dealing with chronic biceps pain that hasn't responded to conservative treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gobezie to discuss whether biceps tenodesis is right for you.
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