Brachialis Muscle Tendon Rupture of the Distal Ulnar Attachment in a Competitive Weight Lifter.

Abstract

Isolated tears of the brachialis muscle are rare and often take on the clinical appearance of other pathology, such as a distal biceps brachii tendon tear or an intramuscular tumor, thus making diagnosis especially difficult. The authors describe the case of a 31-year-old competitive male weight lifter who was found to have a full-thickness tear of the brachialis tendon at its distal ulnar attachment after performing a 40.8-kg biceps curl. The authors describe the differential diagnosis, radiographic findings, and methods used that led to the diagnosis and also provide a comprehensive review of the literature on brachialis muscle injuries. The patient decided to proceed with conservative management consisting of a period of rest and physical therapy. At 10 months after the injury, the patient went back to weightlifting and biceps curls. He had progressed to full strength and had returned to all weightlifting activities at final follow-up. Isolated full-thickness brachialis muscle ruptures can be treated successfully with conservative management, including rest and physical therapy. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(3):e339-e342.].