Biceps Tendon Pathology

Pathology of the biceps tendon in the shoulder typically refers to various conditions that affect the tendon, causing pain, weakness, or limited range of motion. The biceps tendon in the shoulder is part of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle, which attaches to the top of the shoulder socket (the glenoid) at the superior labrum. Pathologies of the biceps tendon can include:

Tendinitis

– Description: Inflammation of the biceps tendon is one of the most common issues. This condition often results from overuse, particularly in activities that involve repetitive overhead motions, such as throwing or swimming.

– Symptoms: Pain at the front of the shoulder, tenderness over the biceps groove, and pain that worsens with overhead activities.

Tendinosis

– Description: Tendinosis is a chronic degenerative condition of the tendon, where the tendon fibers become damaged due to long-term overuse or repetitive stress. Unlike tendinitis, tendinosis is not primarily inflammatory.

– Symptoms: Similar to tendinitis but may involve a longer duration of symptoms, with more consistent and nagging pain.

Biceps Tendon Tear or Rupture

– Description: This can involve a partial or complete tear of the biceps tendon at the shoulder. A complete rupture often results in a “Popeye” deformity, where the muscle bulges because the tendon is no longer anchored.

– Symptoms: Sudden sharp pain, a popping sound, bruising, and weakness, particularly in elbow flexion and supination.

Biceps Tendon Subluxation/Dislocation

– Description: The biceps tendon may slip out of its groove (subluxation) or fully dislocate. This often occurs in conjunction with injuries to the shoulder, such as a rotator cuff tear.

– Symptoms: A feeling of the tendon “popping” in and out of place, pain, and instability in the shoulder.

SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior)

– Description: A tear in the labrum (the ring of cartilage around the shoulder socket) where the biceps tendon attaches. This type of injury is common in athletes and can result from acute trauma or repetitive shoulder motion.

– Symptoms: Deep shoulder pain, catching, locking, or grinding sensations, and pain with certain movements like lifting or throwing.

Biceps Tendonitis with Rotator Cuff Pathology

– Description: Biceps tendonitis often coexists with rotator cuff injuries, particularly in the setting of a rotator cuff tear. This combination can exacerbate symptoms and complicate diagnosis and treatment.

– Symptoms: Combined symptoms of rotator cuff pain and biceps tendonitis, including pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical examination, imaging studies like MRI or ultrasound, and sometimes diagnostic injections. Treatment can range from conservative approaches like rest, ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications to surgical intervention in cases of severe tendon pathology or failure of conservative treatment.

– Conservative Management: Includes rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections.
– Surgical Options: May include procedures like biceps tenotomy (cutting the tendon) or tenodesis (reattaching the tendon to the humerus), particularly in cases of rupture, severe tendinosis, or SLAP tears.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further damage and to restore function and reduce pain.

ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΗΣΤΕ ΜΕ ΤΟ ΓΙΑΤΡΟ

ΚΛΕΙΣΕ ΤΟ ΡΑΝΤΕΒΟΥ ΣΟΥ