Transcript Rupture of the long head of the biceps

Rupture of the long
head of the biceps
Jamie Shows/Keith Dooley
AH322
Evaluation of Athletic Injuries I
10/22/03
What is the biceps muscle?
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The biceps muscle splits into two tendons at the
shoulder. A long one and a short one.
The long tendon runs over the top of the humerus
bone (upper arm) and attaches to the top of the
shoulder blade.
A rupture of this tendon is rare in young athletes
but more common in older ones.
A rupture of the long head of the biceps is
uncommon in competitive and recreational
athletes.
The biceps muscle
 The
long tendon
on the right hand
side goes over
the top of the
humerus.
Rupture of the long head of the biceps
MRI of bicep
 This
particular
case was
diagnosed as
having a
complete rupture
of the long head
of the left biceps
Symptoms
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A sudden sharp pain at the front of the upper arm.
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Pain and swelling over the front of the shoulder
joint.
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Athlete will be unable to contract the biceps
muscle against resistance because of pain
(especially in the first couple of days after injury).
Diagnosis
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Examiner will ask athlete to bend the arm and
tighten the biceps muscle.
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Pressure will then be applied to the top of the arm
to see if there is any pain.
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If there is a history of shoulder pain, an MRI or a
special X-ray called an arthrogram may be
necessary to see if rotator cuff muscle has been
torn as well.
Treatment
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Conservative treatment is usually all that is needed for
tears in the proximal biceps tendons.
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Ice applications keep down the swelling.
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as
ibuprofen reduce pain.
Treatment (continued)
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You should also rest the muscle, limiting your
activity when you feel pain or weakness.
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To keep the shoulder mobile and strengthen the
surrounding muscles, your doctor may prescribe
some flexibility and strengthening exercises.
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Surgical repair of a complete tendon tear can be
done for younger individuals whose work involves
heavy labor or lifting.
Treatment (continued)
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Complete tears of the distal biceps tendon require
surgery to reattach the tendon to the bone.
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Range of motion exercises can begin as early as
two weeks after surgery, although forceful biceps
activity is often restricted for four to six months.
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Partial tears of the distal biceps tendon may be
treated either conservatively or surgically.
Works Cited
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http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm
?Thread_ID=234&topcategory=Arm
http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/199
9/06_99/carter.htm
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cyberthera
pist/front/shoulder/bicepstendrupt.htm