Incidence of Third Head of Biceps Brachii in Indian Population.

ABSTRACT

Background: The biceps brachii is one of the muscles of the anterior compartment of the upper arm. It is characteristically described as a two-headed muscle that originates proximally by a long head and a short head. The present study was carried out to find the occurrence of a third head of biceps brachii among a sample Indian population. Materials and Methods: The arms of 35 adult cadavers were dissected and observed for variations in the origin and insertion of biceps brachii muscle bilaterally. Results: Among the 70 arms studied, three had 3-headed biceps brachii, 2 on the left and 1 on the right side. All the third heads were of humeral origin, which inserted into the radial tuberosity by a common tendon with the long and short heads. Conclusion: Knowledge of the existence of the third head of biceps brachii may enhance pre-operative evaluation, facilitate surgical intervention within the arm and improve postoperative outcomes.