General practice & prim · UKMLA & AKT

Biceps tendinopathy and rupture

A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise biceps tendinopathy and rupture — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.

Key high-yield points

  • Speed's test - resist shoulder flexion with elbow extended, forearm supinated; pain at bicipital groove = positive (tendinopathy)
  • Yergason's test - resist forearm supination with elbow at 90°; pain or tendon subluxation at groove = positive (tendinopathy)
  • Hook test - elbow flexed 90°, forearm supinated; examiner tries to hook finger behind lateral biceps tendon in antecubital fossa; inability to hook = complete distal rupture

The hook test is the most reliable bedside test for distal biceps tendon rupture - if no cord is palpable, refer urgently to orthopaedics.

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