Learning objectives
To illustrate the anatomy of the intra-articular long head of biceps tendon, the biceps-labral complex and the biceps pulley. To illustrate various pathologies affecting the long head of biceps brachii and the biceps labral complex.
Background
The intra-articular long head of biceps and the biceps-labral complex can be involved with various degenerative and sports related injuries. Understanding the anatomy of the long head of biceps and the biceps-labral complex is crucial to accurate interpretation of pathologies and their differentiation from normal anatomical variants. The long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) can originate from the anterosuperior labrum, posterosuperior labrum, superaglenoid tubercle of glenoid and the base of the coracoid process. (1) LHBT traverses the rotator interval and is stabilized as it enters...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
Normal anatomy of the LHBT The long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) can originate from the anterosuperior labrum, posterosuperior labrum, superaglenoid tubercle of glenoid and the base of the coracoid process. (1) LHBT traverses the rotator interval and is stabilized as it enters the bicipital groove predominantly by a pulley formed by the extension of the coracohumeral ligament (CHL) and superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL). The CHL originates from the lateral aspect of the base of the coracoid process and has two bands distally, the lateral...
Conclusion
MRI and MR arthrogram depict the anatomy and pathology of the intra-articular long head of biceps tendon and biceps-labral complex well.Athorough knowledge of the anatomy and of the normal variants is an essential prerequisite for evaluation of the pathologies.
References
De Maeseneer M, Roy FV, Lenchik L, Shahabpour M, Jacobson J, Ryu KN et al. CT and MR arthrography of the normal and pathologic anterosuperior labrum and labral-bicipital complex. Radiographic 2000;20: S67-S81. Barber FA, Field LD, Ryu RKN. Biceps tendon and superior labrum injuries: decision making. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2007;89:1844-1855. Pradhan RL, Itoi E, Hatakeyama Y, Urayama M, Sato K. Superior Labral strain during the throwing motion.A cadaveric study. Am J Sports Med 2001Jul-Aug;29(4): 488-92. Pagnani MJ, Deng XH, Warren RF, Torzilli PA,...
