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Biceps Tendon Rupture, Sports Medicine

Saif Usman, MD, FAAFP, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Biceps brachii muscle is composed of a long head originating from the apex of the glenoid and a short head originating from the tip of coracoid process.

  • Distally both heads insert ont...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Mechanism is usually forceful eccentric biceps contraction applied to a flexed elbow.

  • Pain is usually located more proximal than distal.

  • Prior symptoms are indicative of prior rotator c...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Proximal rupture:

    • Acute immobilization in posterior elbow splint with the elbow at 90 degrees for comfort and forearm in full supination; add sling for comfort.

    • Younger patient...

REFERENCES

1
Kowalczuk M, Kohut K, Sabzevari S, et al. Proximal long head biceps rupture: a predictor of rotator cuff pathology. Arthroscopy.  2018;34(4):1166–1170.
2
Burns JP, Bahk M, Snyder SJ. Su...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Beall DP, Williamson EE, Ly JQ, et al. Association of biceps tendon tears with rotator cuff abnormalities: degree of correlation with tears of the anterior and superior portions of ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Biceps tendon ruptures occur most commonly concomitantly with supraspinatus and subscapularis tears.

  • Popeye sign is highly indicative of proximal biceps tendon rupture.

  • Hook test is 100%...

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