injuries poisoning
Biceps Tendon Tears
Diagnosis of Bicep Tendon Tears
Clinical evaluation Ultrasonography MRI Biceps tendon tears can often be diagnosed based on the history and a physical examination. The examination and special tests (eg, hook test) can suggest which tendon is injured and whether the tendon is torn. For the hook test, the flexed elbow is supinated, and examiners attempt to hook their index finger under the intact biceps tendon from the lateral side. If the biceps tendon is torn (distal avulsion), there is no cordlike structure to palpate or hook. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is often used to examine the shoulder and is accurate for diagnosis of complete proximal biceps tendon tears. Ultrasonography is less useful for partial tears and distal biceps tendon tears. MRI may confirm the diagnosis but is usually not needed. 