Partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon

Partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon is a relatively rare event, and various degrees of partial tendon tears have been reported. In the current study four patients with partial atraumatic distal biceps tendon tears (me an age, 59 years; range, 40-82 years) are reported. In all four patients, a common clinical pattern emerged. Pain at the insertion of the distal bicep s tendon in the radius unrelated to any traumatic event was the main sympto m. In all patients the diagnosis was based on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography imaging. In three of four patients the partial rupture of the tendon caused a significant bursalike lesion. The typical appearanc e was a partially ruptured biceps tendon, with contrast enhancement signali ng the degree of degeneration, tenosynovitis, and soft tissue swelling exte nding along the tendon semicircular to the proximal radius. In three patien ts, conservative treatment was successful. Only one patient needed surgery, with reinsertion of the tendon resulting in total functional recovery.