Biceps Rupture 

  • Author: Gary L Branch, DO; Chief Editor: Robert H Meier III, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 18, 2012
 

Background

Tendon ruptures of the biceps brachii, one of the dominant muscles of the arm, have been reported in the United States with increasing frequency. Ruptures of the proximal biceps tendon make up 90-97% of all biceps ruptures and almost exclusively involve the long head.

Anatomy

Because of its size and its orientation about the shoulder and elbow joints, the biceps muscle is involved in functional activities of the upper limb. At its proximal attachment, the biceps has 2 distinct tendinous insertions on the scapula from its long and short heads. The short head arises from the coracoid process with the coracobrachialis, while the long head originates from the supraglenoid tubercle and passes over the humeral head within the capsule of the glenohumeral joint (see image below).

Biceps muscle and tendons Biceps muscle and tendons

The biceps muscle then continues down the arm within the intertubercular groove, covered by a synovial outpouching of the joint capsule. The 2 muscle bellies unite near the midshaft of the humerus and attach distally on the radial tuberosity. The distal tendon blends with the bicipital aponeurosis, which affords protection to structures of the cubital fossa, allowing distribution of forces across the elbow to lessen the pull on the radial tuberosity.[1, 2] The biceps receives innervation via the musculocutaneous nerve (C5, C6) from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus.

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Pathophysiology

The biceps muscle and its tendons are some of the most superficial structures of the arm. These structures account for a significant portion of shoulder injuries and a smaller number of elbow injuries. As mentioned, rupture of the proximal biceps tendon comprises 90-97% of all biceps ruptures and almost exclusively involves the long head.[3] Tendon rupture typically occurs at the bony attachment or tendon-labral junction. The remaining ruptures occur distally at the insertion on the radial tuberosity or, even less commonly, at the short-head insertion on the acromion.

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Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

As previously noted, biceps rupture has been reported in the United States with increasing frequency. The injury is experienced most commonly by individuals aged 40-60 years with a history of shoulder problems, secondary to chronic wear of the tendon. Younger individuals may rupture the biceps tendon following a traumatic fall, during heavy weightlifting, or during sporting activities (eg, snowboarding, football).

Mortality/Morbidity

Overall consequences of biceps rupture may differ among various demographic groups. The major impairment resulting from proximal biceps rupture involves limitations due to pain during the acute phase, but impairment ultimately relates to a decrease in strength during shoulder flexion, elbow flexion, and forearm supination. Distal ruptures also initially result in pain, followed by reduced strength in supination, elbow flexion, and grip strength.[4]

Race

No correlation exists between race and the incidence of biceps rupture.

Sex

Men suffer biceps rupture more commonly than do women, but this difference may result primarily from vocational or avocational factors. The dominant arm is involved more commonly, probably because it is used more often than is the nondominant arm. At present, no evidence exists of a male or female predisposition to biceps rupture due to anatomic or genetic factors.

Age

Age may vary considerably in patients with biceps rupture, but typically, the patient with a rupture caused by impingement or chronic inflammation is in the fourth, fifth, or sixth decade of life.[5, 6, 7] Acute traumatic ruptures may occur in younger individuals or in anyone engaged in predisposing activities.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Gary L Branch, DO  Mid-Michigan Orthopedics, Staff Physician, Memorial Healthcare Center.

Gary L Branch, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

J Michael Wieting, DO, MEd  Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Professor of Osteopathic Principles and Practices, Director of Program Development, Director of Sports Medicine, Associate Director of Physician Assistant Program, Department of Osteopathic Principles and Practice, Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

J Michael Wieting, DO, MEd is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Osteopathy, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American College of Sports Medicine, American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, American Osteopathic Association, American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Robert J Kaplan, MD  James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Staff Physician, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

Robert J Kaplan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Patrick M Foye, MD  Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Co-Director of Musculoskeletal Fellowship, Co-Director of Back Pain Clinic, Director of Coccyx Pain Service (Tailbone Pain Service: www.TailboneDoctor.com), University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School

Patrick M Foye, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and International Spine Intervention Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Kelly L Allen, MD  Medical Director, Medevals

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Robert H Meier III, MD  Director, Amputee Services of America; Active Medical Staff, Presbyterian/St Luke's Hospital, Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, Select Specialty Hospital; Consulting Staff, Kindred Hospital

Robert H Meier III, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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