Rupture of the long tendon of the biceps brachi muscle. An unusual case related to use of the pneumatic tourniquet.

Tourniquet paralysis, arterial spasm, aneurysm formation, and the post-ischemic hand syndrome are all complications of penumatic tourniquet use in surgery of the extremities. This is a case report of another complication of tourniquet use, rupture of the long tendon of the biceps brachii muscle. Some underlying pathologic or degenerative condition usually exists before rupture can occur. Both rheumatoid arthritis and local corticosteroid injections into the long tendon of the biceps probably accounted for weakening the tensile strength of the tendon and subsequent rupture in the case described.