Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow

Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society (대한견·주관절의학회)
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Three Cases of Rare Anatomic Variations of the Long Head of Biceps Brachii

  • Kwak, Sang-Ho (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Seung-Jun (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital) ;
  • Song, Byung Wook (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Pusan National University Nalgae Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Min-Soo (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Pusan National University Hanseo Hospital) ;
  • Suh, Kuen Tak (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital)
  • Received : 2014.10.24
  • Accepted : 2015.03.12
  • Published : 2015.06.30
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Abstract

In general, the long head of the biceps brachii originates from the superior glenoid labrum and the supraglenoid tubercle, crosses the rotator cuff interval, and extends into the bicipital groove. However, rare anatomic variations of the origins of the long head have been reported in the past. In this report, we review the clinical history, radiologic findings, and arthroscopic identifications of 3 anatomic variants of the biceps tendon long head. As the detection of long head of biceps tendon pathology during preoperative radiologic assessment can be difficult without prior knowledge, surgeons should be aware of such possible anatomic variations.

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References

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