Inflammation of the long head of the biceps tendon

Aetiology

• Overuse, instability, impingement or trauma

Clinical features

Symptoms

• Pain anterior shoulder radiating to elbow
• Aggrevated by shoulder flexion, forearm pronation and elbow flexion
• Snapping with shoulder movements if subluxation

Signs

• Tenderness to palpation of the long head of biceps tendon
• Tendon tear - 'Pop-eye' sign, extensive bruising

Investigations

• USS

Management

• Conservative - physio, consider corticosteroid injection
• Surgical repair
  • High risk of neurovascular complications