Bicep tendon tears

[Tariq Zaki]

Tears may occur in the tendons that attach the biceps muscle to the bones of the shoulder or the tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to one of the lower arm bones (at the elbow).
(See also Overview of Sprains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries.)
The biceps muscle has two tendons that attach to the shoulder blade (scapula) at the shoulder joint and one tendon that attaches to one of the arm bones (radius) at the elbow. The bicep tendons at the shoulder are more likely to be torn than the one at the elbow.
Bicep tendon tears are caused by a sudden forceful event (such as lifting a heavy object) or forceful straightening or twisting of the elbow. These tears typically occur when the tendon is already weakened by overuse (as occurs during weightlifting). Overuse can cause the tendon to become inflamed (called tendinitis) and sometimes frayed. In older people, the tendon may degenerate, increasing the risk of a tear. Other factors that can weaken a tendon may also increase risk.
The injury that tears the bicep tendons may also damage other structures in the shoulder, such as the rotator cuff.
The bicep tendon may be partially or completely torn. If a biceps tendon is completely torn, the tendon is completely detached from the bone. As a result, people usually cannot move their arm in certain directions. If only part of the tendon is torn, movement is unaffected, but the tendon may continue to tear and may later tear completely, particularly if people put substantial pressure on the arm.

[Julian]

Bicep tendon tears can involve the tendon attachment at the shoulder or the elbow. Sharp pain occurs at the site of the tear. Surgical repair is usually required.
(See also Overview of Sprains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries.)
The bicep muscle has two tendons that attach proximally to the scapula (supraglenoid tubercle and coracoid process of the shoulder) and one tendon that attaches distally to the radius at the elbow (radial tuberosity). Proximal bicep tendon tears are more common than distal bicep tendon tears.
Bicep tendon tears are caused by a sudden forceful event (eg, lifting a heavy object) or forceful extension or twisting of the elbow. These tears typically occur when the tendon is already weakened by overuse (eg, as occurs with weightlifting), which can cause tendinitis and sometimes fraying of the tendon. In elderly patients, degenerative tendinosis, which weakens the biceps tendons, increases the risk of a tear. Other factors that can weaken a tendon may increase risk of tendon tears, but their contribution to bicep tendon tears has not been well-studied.
The injury that tore the bicep tendon may also damage other structures in the shoulder (eg, rotator cuff).
Bicep tendon tears may be partial or complete.