What is the Biceps Tendon?

Located at the front of the arm, the biceps muscle is responsible for rotating the wrist and flexing the elbow. It has two tendons that attach it to the shoulder bones and one tendon that attaches it to the elbow bone. While these tendons are quite tough, they are susceptible to tearing. A torn biceps is a common shoulder injury often seen by shoulder specialist

Dr. Khaleel, Senior Consultant Arthroscopic Shoulder and Sports Surgeon, Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India, specializes in treating biceps tendon injuries and can help patients regain mobility and function.

Biceps Tendon Anatomy

Two tendons attach the biceps muscle to the shoulder:

• Long head tendon: Attaches the muscle to the top of the shoulder socket.
• Short head tendon: Attaches the muscle to the shoulder blade.

Injuries are more likely to occur in the long head tendon. Even with a complete tear of the long head tendon, the short head tendon may allow patients to continue using the biceps muscle.

What is a Torn Biceps?

A torn biceps can occur at either the shoulder joint or the elbow joint.

• Shoulder joint: A proximal biceps tendon tear, often seen in adults over 60 or those with a rotator cuff injury, occurs where the tendon enters the shoulder.
• Elbow joint: A distal biceps tendon tear, commonly seen in middle-aged men involved in sports and weight lifting, occurs where the tendon enters the elbow.

Torn biceps are classified as either partial or complete:

• Partial tear: The tendon is not completely severed.
• Complete tear: The tendon is entirely disrupted from the bone.

Symptoms of a Biceps Tendon Injury

The hallmark sign of a biceps tendon injury is sudden and severe pain in the shoulder or elbow area.

Other symptoms may include:

• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Cramping
• A snapping or "popping" sensation
• Visible deformity, often referred to as a "Popeye" muscle deformity
• Difficulty rotating the arm from a palm-down to a palm-up position

Diagnosing a Biceps Tendon Injury

To diagnose a torn biceps, Dr. Khaleel, Senior Consultant Arthroscopic Shoulder and Sports Surgeon, Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India, will perform a thorough physical examination and may order an MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the injury.

If you suspect a biceps tendon injury, contact Dr. Khaleel at Kims Alshifa, Perintalmanna, Kerala, India, for a comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.