Rupture of the Short Head of the Biceps and Coracoid Fractures: Mechanism and Refixation

Abstract

Injuries of the short head of the biceps are rarely seen in clinics as seen by a lack of published articles. Most of the literature report on coracoid fractures, whereas these scapula process fractures remain less common in the upper extremity. They are caused by direct impact or are associated with acromioclavicular or anterior shoulder dislocation as it may occur in sports. The attached biceps short head, coracobrachialis and pectoral minor tendon are likely to tension an avulsion and displace a fragment. The most favorable treatment is a non-operative therapy, especially if the displacement of fragments is little and the coracoclavicular ligaments maintain the fragments in position. Widely displaced fractures cause a high nonunion rate and surgical reposition and fixation is recommended in such cases. Different fixation techniques are present due to its rare and heterogenic occurrence. However, surgically treated fractures are likely to heal and patients gain full range of motion after three months. We present a case report from our department and demonstrate different operative techniques in a cadaver model.