[Sonography of the biceps tendon].

641 patients who had undergone ultrasonic investigation of the shoulder joint were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-four cases (5.3%) with sonographic abnormalities of the biceps tendon or the soft tissue surrounding the biceps tendon were found. In 15 cases a synovitis or effusion of the bicipital (convexity of the transverse ligament) groove was found. Four times a mineralization of the transverse ligament (high echogenic zone with interruption of the humerus coticalis) was observed. In 10 cases rupture of the tendon (sagging of the transverse ligament) was diagnosed. One case was diagnosed as a subluxated biceps tendon (tendon riding on the lesser tubercle) and was misdiagnosed. Four cases with cysts of the biceps tendon were seen (well defined zone of low echogenity). Seven patients underwent surgery following unsuccessful conservative treatment and in all cases but one the ultrasonic diagnosis was confirmed. According to the experience of this investigation ultrasonic examination of the biceps tendon turned out to be an ideal imaging technique for screening of lesions of the long head of the biceps.