Shoulder
Biceps Pathology
Evidence: uncertain
Upper Cut Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Biceps Tendinopathy.
How to Perform
- Position: Elbow flexed 90°, forearm supinated.
- Action: Patient performs a rapid 'upper cut' punch motion (bringing hand towards chin) while examiner resists.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Pain or a painful pop in the anterior shoulder.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 73%
- Specificity: 78%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Upper Cut 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 Shoulder region, combining the Upper Cut Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
