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Popeye Deformity
A Popeye Deformity is characterized as an abnormal shortening or deficiency in the biceps muscle. When a tendon in the biceps muscle ruptures, the muscle may contract and create a large, agonizing mass on the upper arm. This protrusion is referred to as a Popeye Deformity or Popeye sign.
The biceps are diligent upper-body muscles that enable arm flexion and rotation. Tendons provide a connection between the biceps and the shoulder joint at the proximal end, as well as between the biceps and the elbow and lower arm at the distal end. Tendons often experience fraying due to wear and strain prior to tearing. However, the tear often happens abruptly, without any prior indication.
The Popeye Deformity is often managed by conservative treatment, however surgical intervention may be necessary to restore the integrity of the tendon.
Symptoms of Popeye deformity
The symptoms of Popeye Deformity vary according to the size of the rupture, such as:
- Hearing or feeling a snap when the tendon separates from the bone.
- A sudden, severe ache in your arm.
- Bruises, pain, or discomfort in your upper arm
- Weakness in the elbow and shoulder
- Cramping in the biceps while doing exercise
- Difficulty in rotating the arm so that your forearm is either facing upwards or downwards
- Exhaustion resulting from repetitive motions
- Muscle contractions in the arm or shoulder
Causes of Popeye Deformity
These are some of the possible reasons for the Popeye Deformity:
- Overuse of the biceps muscle in your body
- Using your biceps in a series of repetitions
- A sports-related injury
- Injuries sustained as the aftermath of a fall
Diagnosis of Popeye Deformity
Your orthopaedic doctor will take a medical history, go over your symptoms, and physically check you before determining Popeye Deformity.
Should you have a full rupture in the biceps tendon, you would clearly see the bulge in your arm. Though it may not produce a noticeable bulge, a partial tear might nevertheless cause discomfort and other problems.
To find the degree of the damage, your doctor will probably write imaging orders. Usually, an MRI can highlight the degree of soft tissue damage. Your doctor could request X-rays if they believe your shoulder or elbow might have more damage.
Popeye Deformity Treatment
Not all conditions need surgery and can be managed by medications. If there is no impairment in mobility, muscular power, or functionality, and the only issue is a change in physical appearance, then surgical intervention may be bypassed. If there is a significant decline in both range of motion and strength to the extent that it hinders your ability to do routine tasks at home or work, then surgical intervention may be required for repair.
Consulting your orthopaedic surgeon would be the most appropriate course of action for obtaining advice on this matter. The examiner will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including all aspects of this issue. If aesthetic appeal (i.e., the visual aspect) has significance for you, it is advisable to inquire with your surgeon on all available choices for treatment.
Conclusion
Your pain should go away with conservative therapy. The bulge might potentially shrink over time. Four to eight weeks constitute recovery time. If you undergo surgery, the prognosis is also favourable; nevertheless, complete recovery might take more time than with a conservative approach. Complete surgical recuperation might take a year.
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