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)