Jim, your symptoms sound real familiar. I thought about having mine reattached but after reconsidering my age I decided there were some things I just wouldn't do anymore and I would do what I could. While it is aggravating not to be able to do what you have always done I guess I have to live with what I've got left. It seems to be working out. Good luck to you.

Hi Jim,

Sorry about your biceps problem. I had my left shoulder replaced (anatomical) 2 months ago. I'm a 71 y/o male and very active at the gym. During the surgery, the Dr detached the tendon of the long biceps (to get access to the joint), and did not reattach it after the joint replacement.

I questioned him about why it wasn't reattached, and he said historically there is little difference in function whether the tendon is reattached (tendonesis) or left detached (tenotomy). The tendon for the small biceps can carry the day.

However, I have what is described as a "Popeye deformity" - caused by detachment of the long biceps tendon during shoulder replacement. It's hardly noticeable and other than some early spasms, feels fine. I am back to doing biceps curls, slowly increasing weigh - currently at 10 lbs, 2 sets of 10 reps each. Feels fine.

I'm a little surprised that you describe a biceps tear causing the Popeye bulge, and an inability to do weight bearing exercises on that arm. It sounds more like a tear of the biceps muscle (and not a popeye deformity), which may require surgical attention or more conservative methods - pain meds, ice, compression sleeve, and on. Or the long biceps tendon may have ruptured, but in time, you'd be able to lift a bottle of milk, soI think the problem is with the muscle, not the tendon.

I'd get it checked out with your Dr. This may not be a permanent thing for you.

Best of luck Jim.

Joe