Shoulder Case 10 Background

Rupture of the biceps tendon is most commonly seen in people 40-60 years of age with a history of shoulder problems who have chronic wear of the tendon. This injury is more commonly seen in males and the use of anabolic steroids can increase the risk of rupture.

90-97% of all biceps ruptures are of the proximal biceps tendon and almost all of them involve the long head.

Usually the rupture is transverse and is located either near the origin at the glenoid or within the proximal portion of the intertubercular (bicipital) groove.