Patient Story · Video
From a snapped biceps changing a tire — back on court to defend his cup.
Mark, in his late 40s, felt something snap in his arm while changing a tire in an awkward position. Subpectoral bicep tenodesis with Dr. Sabrina Strickland let him return to badminton — and successfully defend his singles tournament title.
Watch Mark's story
Transcript
In Mark's words
A snap, an MRI, and a defended cup.
Yeah, hi. I'm Mark. I'm in my late 40s and generally just try to get some exercise each day, even if it's walking the dog.
The injury occurred when I was changing a tire, and I was in a bit of a rush. I was in an awkward position and I pulled very hard, and there was a sort of snapping, pulling of — in my arm, and I knew something had occurred.
So after that I had an MRI taken, and then I shared that MRI with Dr. Strickland, who I had been recommended by somebody else in my badminton group. My main concern was that it would impair my long-term ability to be, you know, fully functional with my right shoulder, particularly to play sports. She gave me her recommendation, which was to do the subpectoral bicep tenodesis. She was very good at making the time to explain it to me fully, to answer my questions, and to get me comfortable.
“I had won a singles tournament the year before. I set the goal of winning that cup again in spite of the surgery — I was able to defend my cup and hold it again.” — Mark
After the surgery was completed, I was informed about what I needed to do from both taking pain medication as well as keeping my arm secure. I would say that after a few months I was back playing badminton again. I had won a singles tournament the year before. I set the goal of winning that cup again in spite of the surgery — turned out to be — I was able to defend my cup and and hold it again.
So my right shoulder really feels great. It's — sometimes I think maybe I've come out ahead with the surgery. In fact my left shoulder if anything is having some minor issues, perhaps with the AC joint. So I think I'm probably going to be seeing Dr. Strickland again soon.
About the procedure Mark had
Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis. When the long head of the biceps tendon ruptures or becomes a chronic source of pain at its origin in the shoulder, one option is to detach it and re-attach it lower — typically below the pectoralis major muscle (sub-pectoral). This restores the biceps muscle's tension and contour, eliminates the pain at the proximal attachment, and preserves elbow flexion and forearm supination strength. It is well-tolerated and gets active patients back to overhead and racket sports with a structured rehabilitation. More on sports injuries →
For procedure-specific recovery guidelines, see post-surgery guidelines — including the bicep tenodesis sheet.
Read more patient stories
Mark's story is one of many. Hear from more of Dr. Strickland's patients in their own words about how they got back to the lives they love.
