Shoulder Orthopaedic Test: Yergasons Test

Yergason's Test is used to test for biceps tendon pathology, such as a tear or subluxation of the tendon in the bicipital groove. Here is a step-by-step procedure for performing the Yergason's Test:

1. Ask the patient to sit or stand with the arm in question at their side, bent at the elbow to 90 degrees, and the forearm pronated (palm facing down).
2. Place one hand on the patient's forearm to stabilize it and the other hand on the patient's elbow to maintain the 90-degree angle.
3. Instruct the patient to supinate their forearm (rotate their palm upward) against resistance while you resist the movement by applying pressure to the forearm.
4. Ask the patient to maintain the supination while you apply a downward force on the forearm to stress the biceps tendon and the transverse humeral ligament.
5. Observe for any pain or tenderness at the bicipital groove or along the biceps tendon.
6. Repeat the test with the patient's elbow extended to test the long head of the biceps tendon.

It's important to note that some experts believe the sensitivity and specificity of Yergason's Test are low, and the test may not be sufficient to make a definitive diagnosis of biceps tendon pathology.

The Yergason's Test has a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 88% for detecting bicipital tendon pathology.

A positive test is indicated by pain or a palpable snap or click in the bicipital groove.

References:

1. Yergason RM. Supination sign. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1931;13(2):281–292.
2. Magee DJ. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier; 2014.
3. Hoppenfeld S. Physical Examination of the Spine and Extremities. Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange; 1976.