HSS Ultrasound of the Month: Case 50

Clinical History 42 year old male with 1 month history of anterior elbow pain.

Soft tissue swelling and slight redness is noted at the cubital fossa.

Physical examination discloses an intact biceps tendon but pain is elicited with tendon palpation.

Ultrasound evaluation was requested to confirm the integrity of the biceps tendon and to evaluate for regional pathology.

Ultrasound of the Month– Case 50

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Diagnosis: Bicipitoradial Bursitis Bicipitoradial bursitis is a relatively uncommon condition resulting in inflammation and distention of the bicipitoradial bursa. This enlarged bursa may impinge upon the adjacent radial nerve bifurcation and posterior interosseous nerve.

Bicipitoradial bursitis is most commonly secondary to repetitive activity and may be associated with biceps tendon tears or tendinosis. In rare cases, the bursa may be infected and require antibiotic therapy and possible surgical intervention.

As demonstrated in this case, ultrasound is valuable in evaluating the distal biceps tendon for tear/tendinosis and in confirming the presence of an enlarged and inflamed bursa. Also, ultrasound allows safe needle aspiration and injection of the bursa as indicated

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