Anatomical Analysis of Bicipital Groove and Its Spur Formation Using 3D-CT: A Retrospective Observational Study

Concomitant long head of biceps (LHB) pathologies commonly occur with rotator cuff tears, but LHB problems are often underestimated. There is a lack of studies on the correlation between bicipital groove morphology and biceps pathology, as well as the significance of bony spurs around the groove. This study analyzed the anatomical parameters of the bicipital groove and spur formation using 3D-CT in 111 patients. Biceps spurs were evaluated using 3D and 2D-CT images, and patients were grouped by age (below and above 55 years). The detection rate of biceps spur was higher with 3D-CT (54.0%) than with 2D-CT (42.3%). Spur incidence was significantly greater in older patients (60.3% vs. 45.8%). The average groove width was narrower in older adults (p = 0.006) and larger in men compared to women (p = 0.000). The average spur height was also greater in men (p = 0.039). Lateral spurs were the most common type that was observed. This study highlights the differences in bicipital groove morphology and spur formation by age and gender, with 3D-CT being more effective in detecting biceps spurs.