Permanent disabilities in the displaced muscle from rupture of the long head tendon of the biceps.

Patients with a displaced muscle belly because of rupture of the long head biceps tendon were investigated for local pain and other disabilities, together with strength and endurance loss. Eleven patients (median age 59 years, minimum follow-up 6 months) were included, and minimum follow-up was 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both upper arms allowed investigation of muscle atrophy and evaluation of any other degenerative signs in the displaced muscle. All patients reported pain or disability locally in the displaced muscle in certain situations, and strength and endurance were reduced by 25%. MRI revealed the displaced muscle to be unreduced in size and with no signs of degeneration. Generally, operative reattachment of the displaced muscle is not advocated in middle-aged or older patients. In order to elucidate this subject, we present a retrospective consecutive series of patients with considerable disabilities in the displaced muscle belly independent of shoulder disabilities.