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In vivo evaluation of the kinematics of the long head of the biceps tendon within the pulley: A 3 T MRI motion analysis

  • Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

To evaluate the kinetic amplitude and direction of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHB) within the pulley and the proximal bicipital groove, we performed a 3T-magnetic resonance—throwing motion analysis.

Materials and methods

This prospective study was performed on a 3T-MRI scanner. A T2-weighted-3D sequence in three specific positions of throwing motion of the dominant shoulder was performed under isometric 5 N loading conditions or without loading, respectively. Measurements were performed in high (140°) abduction/external rotation, medium (110°) abduction/external rotation and low (45°) adduction-flexion/internal rotation. Multiplanar rotational reconstructions along the LHB in the bicipital groove allowed for the localization of the LHB including the degree of motion in the three most proximal slices.

Results

12 healthy volunteers (age 22–34 years) were enrolled. Adduction led to an anterior deviation of the LHB within the bicipital groove. Loading conditions in medium (110°) elevation/external rotation furthermore led to a significant anterior deviation of the LHB.

Conclusion

Our findings support the thesis that pulley lesions result from movements of the LHB especially in extreme positions during throwing/overhead activities. Load application in the medium (110°) elevation/external rotation position might enable a better evaluation of patients with dedicated pulley lesions. These results need further evaluation in larger study cohorts and in patients with dedicated rotator cuff lesions, which will be the focus of ongoing studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics and Sports Orthopedics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany

    K. Beitzel

  2. Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany

    K. Beitzel

  3. Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany

    C. Kirchhoff

  4. Institute of Clinical Radiology, Klinikum der Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany

    K. I. Beitzel, M. F. Reiser & S. Kirchhoff

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  1. K. Beitzel
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  2. C. Kirchhoff
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  3. K. I. Beitzel
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Correspondence to S. Kirchhoff.

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Beitzel, K., Kirchhoff, C., Beitzel, K.I. et al. In vivo evaluation of the kinematics of the long head of the biceps tendon within the pulley: A 3 T MRI motion analysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 133, 1719–1725 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-013-1865-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-013-1865-8

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