Elbow
Muscle & Tendon
Evidence: suggestive
Ruland Biceps Squeeze Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture (similar to the Thompson test for the ankle).
How to Perform
- Position: Patient sits with the elbow supported in 60-80° of flexion and the forearm slightly pronated.
- Action: Firmly squeeze the biceps muscle belly with one hand.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: The forearm does not supinate (rotate palm up) when the muscle is squeezed.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 96%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Ruland Biceps Squeeze Test 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 Ruland Biceps Squeeze Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
- Orthofixar | Ruland Biceps Squeeze Test
