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Radiologic case study. Rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon
G Khanna1, J F Glockner, M Sundaram
1Department of Radiology, St Louis University Hospital, MO 63110-0250, USA.
Orthopedics
|August 22, 2000
Summary
Rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon often occurs with rotator cuff issues, but traumatic tears happen too. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aids diagnosis when symptoms are unclear, especially for associated labral tears.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Rupture of the long head of the biceps tendon is often associated with rotator cuff pathology and chronic impingement.
- Traumatic rupture, though less common, can occur and presents diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- Clinical signs and symptoms of biceps tendon rupture are not always definitive.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR arthrography are valuable tools for evaluating tendon integrity, particularly in complex cases.
- An empty bicipital groove on imaging suggests tendon absence and rupture.
Findings:
- The most frequent site for rupture is the superior labrum at the bicipital anchor.
- Associated superior labral tears are common findings.
- Scar tissue within the bicipital groove can complicate diagnosis, necessitating correlation with multiple imaging planes (oblique coronal and sagittal).
Implications:
- While MRI/MR arthrography is not always required, it offers superior visualization of the tendon and bicipital-labral complex.
- Careful inspection of the superior labrum is crucial for identifying associated injuries.
- Accurate diagnosis impacts treatment strategies for shoulder pain and dysfunction.