The biomechanical function and role in glenohumeral kinematics of the tendon of the long head of the Biceps Brachii (LHB) is poorly understood.

 Biomechanical studies performed on cadavers and in vivo suggest that the LHB contributes to stability of the glenohumeral joint in all directions, and particularly provides depression of the humeral head in the glenoid cavity. Research employing EMG showed that during throwing biomechanics, the Biceps Brachii is activated during the cocking and subsequently during the follow through phase. The LHB is subject to mechanical stresses in the groove, at the pulley and by pathology of the rotator cuff and subacromial space. Treatment strategies for pathology of the LHB - such as coracoid impingement, instability, tendinitis, SLAP lesions and ruptures - include conservative interventions, tenodesis or tenotomy. These however all fail to address the potential loss of superior and anterior stability of the glenohumeral joint, which especially in overhead athletes may lead to functional impairments > from Elser et al.; Arthroscopy 27 (2011) 581-592. All rights reserved to Elsevier. Courtesy of Willem-Paul Wiertz (A&P)