Rationale: Intramuscular hemangiomas are rare benign vascular neoplasms, merely accounting for 0.8% of all hemangiomas. Moreover, there are few case reports of intramuscular hemangiomas in the upper extremities.
Patient concerns: A 24-year-old male patient presented with a 5-year history of intermittent pain of the right elbow joint. He had observed a swelling of the right cubital fossa over the past 2 years, leading to the limitations of elbow extension and forearm pronation.
Diagnosis: The patient was diagnosed with intramuscular hemangioma of the biceps brachii.
Interventions: Surgical excision of the tumor was performed for this patient and postoperative early functional exercises were permitted.
Outcomes: The movements of the right elbow and forearm reached the normal range of motion at 5 weeks after surgery. There was no evidence of recurrence during the 5-month follow-up. Lessons: Optimal management of intramuscular hemangioma is critical, including precise evaluation, good microsurgical technique and early functional exercises, which may result in a satisfying outcome.