Sonography of the biceps tendon of the shoulder: normal and pathologic findings

Abnormalities of the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle commonly associate with other lesions about the shoulder, especially rotator cuff rupture, and are a frequent cause of a painful shoulder. As pathognomonic clinical signs of these lesions are often lacking, noninvasive imaging techniques are practical and valuable. In this report the anatomy of this tendon is described, correlating with sonographic images. Examination technique and typical sonographic findings in pathologic conditions affecting the long bicipital tendon sheath, the substance of the tendon, and the position of the tendon are illustrated. Their distinction is important to proper patient management.