Current concepts in the aetiology, assessment and management of partial distal biceps tendon tears

Partial distal biceps tendon tears encompass a spectrum of disease. They can be either traumatic or degenerative in nature. Traumatic tears usually involve the short head. Degenerative tears can involve either or both short and long head components with the tear affecting the lateral fibres first. Chronic tears may be associated with a narrow radioulnar space, distinct head insertions and radial tuberosity hypertrophy. Patient history and clinical examination findings suggestive of partial tearing of the distal biceps tendon should be confirmed with advanced imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging allows assessment of the tear size, morphology and associated pathologies. Non-surgical management, including physiotherapy and injections, is appropriate in selected cases. Surgical management can involve either endoscopic or open techniques. In small tears or low demand patients, a simple debridement of the bursa, tuberosity and tendon may be indicated. In larger tears in higher functioning patients, release of the remaining fibres, debridement and an anatomical repair is indicated. In this review paper, the authors present current concepts on the pathogenesis and management of partial distal biceps tendon tears.