I tore my labrum and rotator cuff back in 2012. I decided to have surgery this summer as the pain is no longer manageable with painkillers. My surgeon wants to reattach my long bicep tendon. He says it it fraying and by reattaching it will help the labrum heal. Apparently that bicep tendon pulls on the part of the labrum that is being repaired. Anyone have this done? Is this common with labrum surgery? I have read that the tendon reattachment takes longer to heal than the labrum, why mess with something that isn't injured yet? Thanks.
------------------------------------
A few questions for you first OP, and they are important mate!
1st - Is the involved rotator cuff muscle the SUPRASPINATUS?
2nd - Did you have impingement syndrome prior to tearing the cuff?
3rd - it sounds like you have what's referred to as a "SLAP" lesion, if so what is it's grade (I-IV)
4th- Did your surgeon complete a sports medicine fellowship? (Don't know ask, by phone or in person)
5th- Does your surgeon intend to perform the surgeries arthroscopically or using an open technique? (If it's to be performed on an arthroscopic basis your doctor is very likely SM trained)
I can say one thing already as food for thought. The fixation of the biceps onto the upper humeral region below the bicipital groove reduces it's lever arm. (It's often placed there to prevent the fraying.
The latter generally occurs because of a narrowed acromial-humoral outlet from impingement syndrome. A decreased lever arm lowers the distance the muscle must travel to achieve full ROM.
The net effect adversely alters one's strength, however some are troubled by the difference more or les than others.
How much of your strength will change depends upon a few factors such as; your height, how much distance was "lost" because of the transfer and your need or desire for "strength"
What the latter means is unfortunately most studies on bicipital transfers were done on relatively sedentary patients who wouldn't notice or care about an alteration of their strength!
If you can provide the additional info I should be able to answer your questions and concerns in a more direct fashion mate.
Regs
Jim