Long Head of Biceps Tendon Tear: Is the Popeye Sign Always Present? скачать в хорошем качестве

Long Head of Biceps Tendon Tear: Is the Popeye Sign Always Present?

The Popeye sign is a classic clinical indicator of a long head of the biceps tendon tear. When the tendon tears, the long head of the biceps retracts toward the elbow, causing a noticeable bulge in the upper arm resembling Popeye's flexed biceps. However, not all long head of biceps tendon tears will present with this sign. Here are some key points to consider: 1. Complete Tear: A complete tear of the long head of the biceps tendon often leads to the Popeye sign, where the muscle retracts and forms a bulge. 2. Partial Tear: In cases of partial tears, the Popeye sign might not be visible. Symptoms may include shoulder pain, weakness, or discomfort without the characteristic bulge. 3. Chronic vs. Acute Tears: The Popeye sign is more commonly seen in acute tears when the tendon ruptures suddenly. In chronic cases where the tendon degenerates over time, the sign may be less obvious or absent. 4. Other Symptoms: Even in the absence of a Popeye sign, patients may experience pain in the shoulder, reduced range of motion, or weakness, particularly in movements involving elbow flexion and forearm supination. Therefore, while the Popeye sign is a strong indicator of a long head of the biceps tendon tear, its absence does not rule out the condition, especially in cases of partial or chronic tears. Diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be needed for a full assessment.