Hey TNATION, long time reader, very occasional speaker. Love this site, so much information! I’m worried about my biceps tendons in both arms, so let’s get down to the nitty and the gritty.
I’ve had shoulder decompression surgery in both shoulders about 6-10 months ago (staggered), which involved the removal of 6mm of clavicle, the shaving of bonespurs (2-3 each shoulder), and also shaving the tip of each acromion (both were hooked downwards).
All went well, about 3 months to fully recover from each surgery, pushing my old weight just dandy. Except bench pressing…
About a week ago, I was doing what I call a chest day (light weight, lots of reps, mostly DB). I noticed some serious pain right after a set, and clicking (which was always there after surgery). I also noticed - this is the sketchy part - something was slipping out whenever I would externally rotate my arm. It just happens now, putting a shirt on, washing my hair, pretty much anytime I have my elbows flared somewhat, a large mass slips out. After looking this up a ton, I’ve come to assume the transverse humeral ligament is torn, which is what is causing my biceps tendon (long head) to slip out of the groove when I externally rotate.
http://www.mlcmarlins.com.au/content/training/coaching_clinic/shoulders/images/image008.gif
"A torn transverse humeral ligament can also lead to biceps tendonitis. If this ligament is torn, the biceps tendon is free to jump or slip out of its groove, irritating and eventually inflaming the biceps tendon.
Biceps tendonitis sometimes occurs in response to other shoulder problems, including
Rotator cuff tears
Shoulder impingement <---- This is what I had previously!
Shoulder instability"
------------So I’m wondering - has anyone had this? If so, how was the recovery? What was done to fix the torn transverse humeral ligament?-----------
Needless to say, I’ve cut out all bench work and have switched all my lifts to light weight, high reps for maintenance mode, and I’ll be seeing an ortho shoulder surgeon as soon as I have insurance, which could be a while.