Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow  2015;18(2):96-101

doi:10.5397/cise.2015.18.2.96

Three Cases of Rare Anatomic Variations of the Long Head of Biceps Brachii.

Sang Ho KWAK ; Seung Jun LEE ; Byung Wook SONG ; Min Soo LEE ; Kuen Tak SUH

Keywords

Shoulder; Anatomic variation; Long head of biceps brachii

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

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.