Role of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle in axial humeral rotation control

Abstract

This anatomical and biomechanical study focuses on the specific influence of the long head of biceps brachii muscle in controlling axial humeral rotation. The tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii (biceps tendon) is shown to either facilitate or restrict axial humeral rotation. Its effect on axial humeral rotation is strongly related to firstly the amount of biceps tendon load, secondly glenohumeral scapular plane elevation, and thirdly the rotatory position of the humerus. At 0° glenohumeral elevation, biceps tendon load caused an increase of internal humeral rotation, from 0° at 2.25 N biceps tendon load to 23° at 82.25 N. Under 45° glenohumeral elevation, biceps tendon load can restrict and facilitate as well internal and external axial humeral rotation, increasing the rotatory range of motion. Above 45° glenohumeral elevation biceps tendon load restricts internal and external axial humeral rotation, increasing actively joint stability by increasing torsional rigidity. These findings on the function of the biceps tendon could have consequences for the clinical interpretation. In the elevated arm position, extreme rotation loads the long head of the biceps tendon and may turn out to biceps or bicepslabrum complex injuries.