Sonographic detection of the distal biceps tendon rupture.

A 57 year old man came to the emergency room with a 3 hour history of severe right antecubital pain precipitated while lifting a heavy object with the elbow at about 90 degrees. Physical examination demonstrated flexion weakness of the elbow and limited supination of the forearm. A biceps tendon rupture was suspected, but the clinician requested an ultrasonographic examination to confirm the diagnosis. Sonographic examination was performed with the Toshiba (Tosbee) scanner using a 7 MHz phase linear array transducer. The optimal focal zone of the probe was placed at the level of the tendon. Sagittal