Long head of biceps brachii tendon pathology

Long head of biceps brachii tendon pathology can be examined both with ultrasound and/or MRI. Both instability and tears can result in pain and decreased function.

Pathology

Long head of biceps can be affected by numerous pathological processes :

• tendinosis
• tenosynovitis
• tendon sheath effusion
• tears/rupture
• instability/dislocation
• intra-articular ganglion cyst originating from the intertubercular groove

Radiographic features

Ultrasound

The findings on ultrasound indicating tendinopathy are the same as with other tendons:

• tendon sheath effusion: non-specific as it communicates with the glenohumeral joint
• thickening or thinning of the tendon
• irregularity of the tendon borders
• absence of the normal fibrillary appearance (note: beware anisotropy)