Passive Biceps Subluxation Test

Other Names

Passive Biceps Subluxation Test

• Passive Biceps Subluxation Test
• Biceps Subluxation Test
• Passive Biceps Instability Test
• Long Head of Biceps Instability Test
• Bicipital Groove Instability Test
• Biceps Tendon Subluxation Maneuver
• Passive Biceps Translation Test
• Biceps Tendon Instability Test
• Dynamic Biceps Stability Test

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Purpose

• Elicit pain or symptoms at the proximal Biceps Brachii as a cause of shoulder pain

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Description

• The patient is seated or standing
• Affected shoulder is abducted to 90°, brought to full external rotation
• Arm is then moved passively to cross-body adduction while decreasing flexion and passively internally rotating the arm.
• This moves the biceps from one extreme to the other within the groove.
• Positive test
  • Sensation of instability and/or pain during the midrange of passive motion

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Pathology

• Proximal Biceps Tendon Injuries

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Evidence

• Unknown

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See Also

• Physical Exam Shoulder
• Shoulder Anatomy (Main)
• Shoulder Pain (Main)

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