UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Biceps rupture

Category: Orthopedics

Keywords: biceps, tendon, rupture (PubMed Search)

Posted: 12/24/2011 by Brian Corwell, MD
Click here to contact Brian Corwell, MD

The long head of the biceps originates from the glenoid tubercle and superior labrum.

Rupture of the proximal biceps tendon comprises 90-97% of all biceps ruptures

Often in men aged 40-60y

- Almost exclusively involves the long head.

- Aka "Popeye Arm" (distal contraction of the muscle belly)

- May be acutely traumatic or microtears & age associated degeneration

- Minimal loss of function because short head of biceps remains attached

- Many patients can be treated non operatively

- Most asymptomatic after 4-6 weeks

- Place in sling, ice, analgesia

- Refer to ortho for re-evaluation and determination of operative versus conservative management

http://imaging.birjournals.org/content/15/4/193/F7.large.jpg