Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

08:48
Measurement of Healthy and Injured Triceps Surae Morphology
Published on: October 27, 2023
Relevant anatomic landmarks and measurements for biceps tenodesis
Russell Lafrance1, Wes Madsen, Zaneb Yaseen
1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|April 9, 2013
Summary
Biceps tenodesis placement is critical for optimal tension. The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) musculotendinous junction (MTJ) begins proximally, guiding optimal tenodesis sites for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Anatomy
- Biomechanical research
Background:
- Biceps tenodesis near the pectoralis major insertion can negatively impact biceps resting tension and clinical results.
- Understanding the precise anatomical relationship is crucial for successful surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the anatomical relationship between the biceps musculotendinous junction (MTJ) and the pectoralis major tendon.
- To provide guidelines for optimal biceps tenodesis site selection to restore proper biceps tension.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive laboratory study involving cadaveric dissections.
- Measurements of the pectoralis major tendon width and its proximal footprint.
- Recording the distance from the pectoralis major footprint to the biceps MTJ and the MTJ length.
Main Results:
- The pectoralis major tendon insertion width averaged 76.8 mm.
- The biceps MTJ initiated an average of 32.4 mm distal to the pectoralis major footprint.
- The distal end of the biceps MTJ was located approximately 3.3 cm distal to the inferior border of the pectoralis major tendon.
Conclusions:
- The biceps MTJ's proximal origin may be underestimated during surgery.
- Anatomical knowledge of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) and pectoralis major tendon is essential for guiding biceps tenodesis.
- Optimal tenodesis should position the distal LHBT MTJ about 3 cm distal to the pectoralis major tendon footprint.
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
Naming Skeletal Muscles
The naming of the approximately 700 muscles in the human body is based on a set of criteria designed to provide descriptive information about each muscle, making it easier to identify and remember them.
The key factors used in naming muscles include:
The key factors used in naming muscles include:
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...
Muscles that Move the Arm
Nine muscles are involved in arm movements. Two of these, the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi, originate from the axial skeleton and are called axial muscles. The other seven originate from the scapula and are called the scapular muscles.
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...

