An unusual variant of the origin of the short head of biceps brachii

David J Collett, Shahin Karova

Abstract

Biceps brachii is a muscle known to have common anatomical and morphological variability, with well-described supernumerary heads. However, although there has been extensive investigation and reporting of the long head and distal insertion of biceps, there is little documentation of the short head, especially with regards to its anatomical variations. In this case report we describe a unique and unusual variant of the origin of the short head of biceps brachii, identified during routine hemiarthroplasty. This case not only provides further insight into the morphology of the origin of this muscle, but, in addition to the current literature, provides a more comprehensive understanding of the anatomical complexity of the biceps brachii and its possible variations.