Elbow
Muscle & Tendon
Evidence: suggestive
Biceps Crease Interval (BCI) Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture.
How to Perform
- Action: Measure the distance between the antecubital crease (elbow fold) and the cusp of the biceps muscle belly.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: A distance > 6.0 cm (or significantly greater than the unaffected side) indicates a rupture/retraction.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 100%
- Specificity: 100%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Biceps Crease Interval (BCI) 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 Elbow region, combining the Biceps Crease Interval (BCI) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
