Incidence and severity of biceps long head tendon lesion in patients with complete rotator cuff tears

Chih Hwa Chen, Kuo Yaw Hsu, Wen Jer Chen, Chun Hsiung Shih

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

159 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Biceps long head tendon lesion is commonly associated with rotator cuff tendon pathology. This study is to determine the pathologic spectrum of biceps long head tendon in surgical cases with complete full thickness rotator cuff tear. Methods: Between 1993 and 2002, 122 complete rotator cuff tears with surgery were included for the analysis. During surgery, biceps long head tendon was grossly examined or evaluated via arthroscopy. A simplified classification was used to describe the biceps lesion. Results: 50 (41%) patients had type 1 lesion (tendinitis), 10 (8%) patients had type 2 lesion (subluxation), 12 (10%) patients had type 3 (dislocation), 15 (12%) patients had type 4 (partial tear), and 6 patients (5%) had type 5 (complete rupture). The remaining 29 patients (24%) did not have obvious pathology. All chronic rotator cuff tear (> 3 months) were associated with biceps tendon pathology. A rotator cuff tear greater than 5 cm2 as determined at surgery was strongly associated with an advanced biceps lesion. Conclusion: Biceps tendon injuries are associated with complete rotator cuff tears and there may be a causal relationship due to the impingement that occurs. Early identification and repair of rotator cuff lesions may prevent further deterioration of the biceps tendon.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1189-1193
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care
Volume58
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biceps tendon
  • Rotator cuff tear

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
  • Surgery

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