Biceps Tendinopathy

Inflammation of the long head of the biceps tendon

Aetiology

  • Overuse, instability, impingement or trauma

Clinical presentation

Symptoms

  • Pain anterior shoulder radiating to elbow
  • Aggrevated by shoulder flexion, forearm pronation and elbow flexion
  • Snapping with shoulder movements if subluxation

Signs

  • Tenderness to palpation of the long head of biceps tendon
  • Tendon tear - 'Pop-eye' sign, extensive bruising

Investigations

  • USS

Management

  • Conservative - physio, consider corticosteriod injection
  • Surgical repair
    • High risk of neurovascular complications