Sonographic imaging of the distal biceps tendon -- an experimental and clinical study

With this study we aimed to determine the reliability of ultrasound imaging in depicting the normal anatomy of the distal biceps tendon in human cadaver specimens and to provide an accurate visualisation of ruptures of the distal biceps tendon in healthy volunteers.

The distal biceps tendons of six whole-arm human cadaver specimens were investigated. The tendons were subsequently marked with a biopsy needle and re-examined. In addition, ultrasound imaging of the distal biceps tendon was performed in 25 healthy volunteers (50 sonograms). All examinations were carried out using linear ultrasonic transducers of various frequencies (5 - 13.5 MHz). The sonographic images were submitted to two experienced examiners for analysis.

Positive identification of the tendon was achieved in all cases. The best results were achieved using 7.5 MHz transducers. Our study also suggests that the medial longitudinal scan and the articular transversal scan are a definite prerequisite for a correct diagnosis in the region of the distal biceps tendon. The dynamic examination is very useful to visualise the tendon with sufficient accuracy.

Based on this study, ultrasound imaging is recommended as the method of choice for visualisation of the distal biceps tendon if performed with the necessary accuracy.