Shoulder
Biceps Pathology
Evidence: uncertain
Yergason's Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Transverse Humeral Ligament integrity and Biceps Tendinopathy.
How to Perform
- Position: Elbow flexed 90°, forearm pronated.
- Action: Patient supinates and externally rotates against resistance.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Pain in the bicipital groove or tendon subluxation (popping).
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 43%
- Specificity: 79%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Yergason's Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Shoulder region, combining the Yergason's Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
