Biceps Tendon Repair

The biceps muscle is what gave Popeye his notoriety.

Flexing His Biceps

The biceps muscle consists of two separate heads:  the short head which originates from the coracoid process and the long head which originates  the cartilaginous socket referred to as the labrum.

Attachment of long head of the biceps muscle

The muscle inserts onto the radius, one of the bones in the forearm.  Tendons attach muscle to bone.

Two Heads of Bicep Muscle

The biceps functions to stabilize the shoulder,  flex the elbow and rotate the forearm.  The long head of the biceps tendon is vulnerable to injury because it travels through the shoulder joint to its attachment point at the labrum.  Tears of biceps tendon can be either partial or complete.

Symptoms commonly associated with a torn biceps tendon include sudden sharp pain, an audible snap, weakness and tenderness along anterior shoulder.

Treatment options often include surgery where the biceps tendon is reinforced with sutures and anchored to the bone.

At the Centeno-Schultz Clinc we have successfully injected the biceps tendon where it is attached into the shoulder joint.  A novel alternative to biceps tendon surgery is the injection of stem cells into the area of damage.   The stem cells have the potential or repairing and regenerating the torn tendon.   Regenexx is a simple needle-in, needle-out procedure which allows the patient to avoid the risks of surgery, anesthesia and the extensive time and expense associated with post surgery physical therapy.

bicepstendentear.bicepstendintear.stemmcelltherapy.bicepstondentears.Regennex

Rotator Cuff Signs: Empty Can Test

The supraspinatus is the most commonly injured rotator cuff  muscle.  It originates from the shoulder blade passes laterally beneath acromion and attaches onto the humerus.

The supraspinatus  stabilizes the shoulder joint and allows one to raise their arm in a plane similar to a jumping jack.

The empty can test assesses the supraspinatus for instability and the presence of tears.  The test is conducted as follows:

The patient raises his arm to 90 degrees and angles the arm forward 30 degrees at the shoulder joint.  The shoulder is then internally rotated as if pouring a can on the floor.  Resistance is applied looking for weakness or pain. The test is positive if there is significant pain or weakness or resistance.

Rotator cuff tears which do not response to physical therapy can be treated with expanded stem cells.  At Regenexx patients use their own stem cells to repair damaged tendons, ligaments, bones and cartilage.

Torn Tendon in Foot

Torn foot tendons are a common injury.

Torn foot tendons typically involves one of three tendons: the Achilles’ tendon, posterior tibial tendon, or peroneal tendon.

The peroneal tendon is located on the outer side of the ankle and functions to stabilize the ankle.

The peroneal tendon and muscle pass together through a groove in the outside ankle bone (lateral malleolus). Contraction of the peroneal tendon and muscle results in the foot pointing downward and outward.

Injury to the peroneal tendon typically occurs as a result of a previous ankle sprain.

Patients often complain of pain along the course of the peroneal tendon. They may also complain of snapping or popping on the outer edge of the ankle

Evaluation includes x-rays to exclude fracture. An MRI will demonstrate if a tear in a foot tendon is present.

If a torn peroneal tendon is noted, surgery is often recommended. The surgery involves an incision through which the tendon and muscles are manipulated to allow for the ‘repair’ to be accomplished. This involves the inherent risks of surgery and anesthesia along with a lengthy and painful rehabilitation.

Regenexx affords patients an alternative to surgery for torn tendons in foot. Utilizing your own stem cells a torn peroneal tendon or muscle can be regenerated. There is no need for surgery or anesthesia since this is a simple needle in, needle out procedure.

Please review this video to learn more about the success of Regenexx stem cell therapy for a torn tendon or ligament.

torn tendon in foot. torn foot tendons. ligament tears in foot. torn peroneal tendon. stem cell therapy for torn tendons