Test for Suspected Tendonitis (Tenosynovitis) of the Biceps Tendon
This test is indicated for:
- A painful inter-tubercular sulcus upon palpation.
- The occurrence of a ‘painful arc’ during the abduction movement and possibly ante-flexion movement.
- The occurrence of pain during flexion of the elbow against resistance.
Procedure
- Ask the patient to flex the elbow 90° of the arm to be examined, while fully pronating the underarm.
- Instruct the patient to maximally supinate the lower arm against resistance from this position [Figure 57].
Figure 57
In the case of biceps tendonitis (possibly accompanied by tendon sheath inflammation) of the long head of the biceps muscle, the patient will indicate pain at the intertubercular groove. Unfortunately, the specificity and sensitivity of this test do not appear to be very high.