Learning objectives
This educational exhibit aims at illustrating the anatomy of the distal biceps brachii tendon emphasizing on certain less known anatomical traits of the tendon.
The imaging charateristics of common pathologies affecting the distal biceps brachii tendon are also discussed.
Background
Pathologiesof distal biceps tendon commonly cause anterior elbow pain.
A thorough knowledge of the anatomical peculiarities and imaging features of the common pathologies of the tendon is important for early diagnosis and treatment1,2.
Findings and procedure details
Anatomy:
The biceps brachii muscle consists of two heads,
the short head and the long head,
which originate from the coracoid process of the scapula and the supraglenoid tubercle,
respectively.
The two heads fuse with each other inferior to the bicipital groove.
Anatomical peculiarities of distal biceps brachii tendon (Fig.
1):
Some studies noted complete separation of the two muscle bellies along their entire course or some degree of interdigitation of the muscle bellies proximal to the distal tendon but with two separate tendons till...
Conclusion
Certain anatomical characteristics of the distal biceps brachii tendon such as presence of two independent muscle bellies,
short and long head inserting through two separate tendons on the radial tuberosity should be kept in mind to avoid diagnostic errors.
Ultrasound and MR are best imaging modalities for evaluating pathologies of distal biceps brachii tendon.
References
1.
Brigido M,
De Maeseneer M,
Morag Y.
Distal biceps brachii.
Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2013;17:20-27
2.
Ultrasound of the musculoskeletal system.
Bianchi,
Martinoli.
2007.
371-375
3.
Eames MH,
Bain GI,
Fogg QA,
Van Riet RP.
Distal biceps tendon anatomy: a cadaveric study.
J.
Bone Joint Surg Am 2007;89(5):1044-1049
4.
Cho CH,
Song KS,
Choi IJ et al.
Insertional anatomy and clinical relevance of the distal biceps tendon.
Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2011;19(11):1930-1935
5.
Cucca YY,
McLay SVB,
Okamoto T,
Ecker J,
McMenamin PG.
The...