Long tendon of the biceps brachii: sites of predilection for degenerative lesions.

The extreme stress on the long head of the biceps tendon is defined by its specific anatomic course, with its proximity to the rotator cuff, the intertubercular groove and the acromion. We studied the morphologic and cross-sectional anatomy of the long head of the biceps tendon in 104 cadavers to analyze degenerative lesions. Degenerative changes in the tendon (disorganized collagen fibers and large mucoid deposits) occurred mainly in the distal bicipital groove and near the origin of the tendon from the superior part of the glenoid labrum. The results of histologic examination identified sites that possibly have a predilection for tendon rupture.