Long head of the biceps tendinopathy: diagnosis and management

J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2010 Nov;18(11):645-56. doi: 10.5435/00124635-201011000-00002.

Abstract

Tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps brachii encompasses a spectrum of pathology ranging from inflammatory tendinitis to degenerative tendinosis. Disorders of the long head of the biceps often occur in conjunction with other shoulder pathology. A thorough patient history, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation are necessary for diagnosis. Nonsurgical management, including rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and injections, is attempted first in patients with mild disease. Surgical management is indicated for refractory or severe disease. In addition to simple biceps tenotomy, a variety of tenodesis techniques has been described. Open biceps tenodesis has been used historically. However, promising results have recently been reported with arthroscopic tenodesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Arthroscopy
  • Debridement
  • Humans
  • Ligaments, Articular / injuries
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Physical Examination
  • Radiography
  • Shoulder* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tendinopathy / diagnosis*
  • Tendinopathy / physiopathology
  • Tendinopathy / rehabilitation
  • Tendinopathy / surgery*
  • Tendons / diagnostic imaging
  • Tendons / surgery
  • Tenodesis
  • Tenotomy

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal