Understanding the Yergason's Test Assessment
To assess for **pathology of the Long Head of the Biceps tendon** (e.g., instability, tear, or tendinopathy) and its stability in the bicipital groove.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting or standing. Elbow is flexed to 90°, forearm is pronated (palm down).
What happens?
The patient is instructed to actively **supinate the forearm** and **externally rotate the shoulder** against the examiner's strong resistance.
Clinical Accuracy
43%
79%
Source: Holtby & Razmjou (2004)
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Reproduction of **pain localized to the bicipital groove** (anterior shoulder) or a **palpable snapping/clicking** of the biceps tendon out of the groove (subluxation).
Helpful Tip:
The combination of movements maximally stresses the tendon and the transverse humeral ligament.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Shoulder Tests
Apprehension Test (Anterior)
The Apprehension test is generally used to test the integrity of the glenohumeral joint capsule, or to assess glenohumeral instability in an anterior direction.
Hawkins-Kennedy Test
To detect **subacromial impingement syndrome**, specifically involving the supraspinatus tendon or biceps long head tendon.
Jobe's Test (Empty Can Test)
To assess for a tear or pathology of the **Supraspinatus muscle or tendon**.
Sulcus Sign
The sulcus test is used to assess the glenohumeral joint for inferior instability, due to laxity of the superior glenohumeral ligament and coracohumeral ligament.It was first described by Neer and Foster in 1980 to examine multidirectional instability