injuries poisoning
Biceps Tendon Tears
Introduction
Biceps 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 biceps 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 biceps tendon tears are more common than distal biceps tendon tears. Biceps 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 older 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 biceps tendon tears has not been well-studied. The injury that tore the biceps tendon may also damage other structures in the shoulder (eg, rotator cuff). Biceps tendon tears may be partial or complete. 