Effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting partial and complete distal biceps tendon rupture.

Purpose: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the elbow is often obtained to confirm the clinical suspicion of a distal biceps tendon rupture. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MRI in diagnosing partial and complete distal biceps tendon ruptures as determined at the time of surgery.

Methods: We identified 22 partial and 24 complete distal biceps tendon ruptures operated on by a single surgeon.