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The purpose of this study was to investigate the plain film finding of dysplasia of the lesser tubercle of the humerus and its relationship to medial dislocation of the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle as diagnosed by shoulder arthrography. Of 55 patients referred for arthrography of the shoulder because of undiagnosed shoulder pain, 12 demonstrated flattening of the medial wall of the bicipital tendon groove. Of these, 58% had medial dislocation of the biceps tendon, and 43% of patients with dislocation of the biceps tendon were also shown to have a tear of the rotator cuff. Since biceps tendon pathology has long been implicated in shoulder pain and weakness, assessment of the bicipital groove may provide important information in evaluating patients with potential abnormality of the biceps tendon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]