Biceps Tendinopathy Workup

  • Author: Peter Gonzalez, MD; Chief Editor: Robert H Meier III, MD   more...
 
Updated: Nov 29, 2011
 

Laboratory Studies

  • No laboratory studies are necessary for the diagnosis of biceps tendinopathy.
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Imaging Studies

  • In patients with biceps tendinopathy, plain radiography may show calcifications in the biceps tendon or demonstrate associated degeneration in the glenohumeral or acromioclavicular joint. Fisk views help to evaluate the size of the biceps groove. Short, narrow margins of the groove may predispose the patient to biceps tendon subluxations.[10]
  • Ultrasonography can be used to assess the dynamic function of the biceps tendon. It is also useful for diagnosing biceps ruptures or instability.[11, 12, 13]
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed to rule out shoulder pathology (eg, rotator cuff tear, labral tears, biceps rupture). MRI may show signal changes in the biceps tendon that indicate pathology.[8]
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Other Tests

  • Diagnostic local anesthetic infiltration of the region of the bicipital groove may help to clarify the source of the nociception. If an alternate diagnosis is suggested, other tests can be performed.
  • Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies (NCSs) are performed to rule out mononeuropathy, brachial plexopathy, and cervical radiculopathy.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Peter Gonzalez, MD  Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Peter Gonzalez, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American College of Sports Medicine, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Carter H Sigmon, MD, MHA  Resident Physician, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Carter H Sigmon, MD, MHA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

William J Sullivan, MD  Associate Professor, Pain Medicine Fellowship Site Director, Director of Medical Student Education, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center

William J Sullivan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American College of Sports Medicine, International Spine Intervention Society, and North American Spine Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Keith Aj Sequeira  MD, FRCPC, Associate Professor, Director of Education, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Parkwood Hospistal, University of Western Ontario

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Patrick J Potter, MD, FRCP(C)  Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Western Ontario School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St Joseph's Health Care Centre

Patrick J Potter, MD, FRCP(C) is a member of the following medical societies: American Paraplegia Society, Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Canadian Medical Association, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Ontario Medical Association, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

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.

References

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