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Popeye Deformity

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Popeye Deformity
A case of Popeye. A 72‐year‐old male, farmer, no obvious traumatic injury. The intraoperative exploration revealed that the long head of the biceps brachii of the right shoulder has been ruptured[1]
Left arm Popeye deformity
Illustration of the popeye deformity anatomy
  • Popeye sign
  • Biceps bulge
  • Distal biceps rupture deformity
  • Long head biceps tendon rupture
  • Biceps tendon rupture
  • Popeye Deformity
  • Reverse Popeye deformity
  • Reverse Popeye sign

Purpose

Description

Classic Description (Proximal Tear)

  • Ask the patient to flex the elbow and supinate the forearm
  • Positive findings
    • A distal retraction of the biceps muscle belly occurs, creating a rounded, “Popeye-like” bulge

Reverse Popeye Deformity (Distal Tear)

  • Usually caused by distal biceps tendon rupture
  • Positive test
    • Muscle belly moves upward/proximally
    • Bulging is most visible in the proximal upper arm

Pathology

Evidence

  • Unknown

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Fang, Jing‐hua, et al. "Lesions of the long head of the biceps tendon concomitant with rotator cuff tears: tenotomy or subpectoral mini‐open tenodesis? A comparative short to mid‐term follow‐up study." Orthopaedic Surgery 11.5 (2019): 857-863.
Created by:
John Kiel on 30 December 2025 16:22:11
Authors:
Last edited:
19 May 2026 01:03:38
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