Intrasubstance ruptures of the biceps brachii: diagnosis and management

Abstract

Traumatic intrasubstance ruptures of the biceps brachii are rare and historically specific to military static line parachute jumps; however, these injuries have recently been reported in the civilian literature. Diagnosis is made by history, clinical weakness in supination and elbow flexion, extensive ecchymosis and edema, and a palpable defect. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are useful to confirm the diagnosis and injury severity. Nonoperative treatment involves splinting in acute flexion. Percutaneous hematoma aspiration has been described. Early surgical intervention with primary repair has been shown to be more successful than late reconstruction. Studies comparing operative and nonoperative treatment are lacking.