Rupture of the long head of the biceps

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Rupture of the long head of the biceps

• Jamie Shows/Keith Dooley
• AH322
• Evaluation of Athletic Injuries I
• 10/22/03

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What is the biceps muscle?

• The biceps muscle splits into two tendons at the
  shoulder. A long one and a short one.
• The long tendon runs over the top of the humerus
  bone (upper arm) and attaches to the top of the
  shoulder blade.
• A rupture of this tendon is rare in young
  athletes but more common in older ones.
• A rupture of the long head of the biceps is
  uncommon in competitive and recreational
  athletes.

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The biceps muscle

• The long tendon on the right hand side goes over
  the top of the humerus.

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Rupture of the long head of the biceps
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MRI of bicep

• This particular case was diagnosed as having a
  complete rupture of the long head of the left
  biceps

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Symptoms

• A sudden sharp pain at the front of the upper
  arm.
• Pain and swelling over the front of the shoulder
  joint.
• Athlete will be unable to contract the biceps
  muscle against resistance because of pain
  (especially in the first couple of days after
  injury).

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Diagnosis

• Examiner will ask athlete to bend the arm and
  tighten the biceps muscle.
• Pressure will then be applied to the top of the
  arm to see if there is any pain.
• If there is a history of shoulder pain, an MRI or
  a special X-ray called an arthrogram may be
  necessary to see if rotator cuff muscle has been
  torn as well.

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Treatment

• Conservative treatment is usually all that is
  needed for tears in the proximal biceps tendons.
• Ice applications keep down the swelling.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such
  as ibuprofen reduce pain.

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Treatment (continued)

• You should also rest the muscle, limiting your
  activity when you feel pain or weakness.
• To keep the shoulder mobile and strengthen the
  surrounding muscles, your doctor may prescribe
  some flexibility and strengthening exercises.
• Surgical repair of a complete tendon tear can be
  done for younger individuals whose work involves
  heavy labor or lifting.

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Treatment (continued)

• Complete tears of the distal biceps tendon
  require surgery to reattach the tendon to the
  bone.
• Range of motion exercises can begin as early as
  two weeks after surgery, although forceful biceps
  activity is often restricted for four to six
  months.
• Partial tears of the distal biceps tendon may be
  treated either conservatively or surgically.

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Works Cited

• http//orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thre
  ad_ID234topcategoryArm
• http//www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1999/06_99/car
  ter.htm
• http//www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/f
  ront/shoulder/bicepstendrupt.htm