Purpose of Biceps Load Test I (Kim’s test 1): To assess the integrity of the superior glenoid labrum in patients with recurrent shoulder dislocations and a Bankart lesion (1).
Patient Position: Supine lying.
Examiner Position: Sitting beside the patient’s affected side facing the patient at a right angle, adjacent to the affected shoulder at the same height as the patient (1).
Procedure: First, gently grasp the patient’s elbow and wrist on the affected side. Next, abduct the affected shoulder to 90 degrees, with the forearm in the supinated position (1). Ask the patient to relax the muscles on the affected arm, including the shoulder. Next, perform an anterior apprehension text, i.e., gently rotate the shoulder externally and ask whether the patient feels apprehensive (1). Stop the external rotation of the affected arm when the patient becomes apprehensive (1). Next, ask the patient to flex the elbow while you (examiner) resist the flexion with one hand, and ask whether there is any change in the feeling of apprehension (1). Make sure you (examiner) provide resistance on the same plane as the patient’s arm while maintaining full supination of the forearm (1).
Outcome: The test (Biceps Load Test I (Kim’s test 1)) is positive when the apprehension did not change or if the shoulder pain increases (1). The test is negative if the patient reports less apprehension or feels more comfortable than before the test (1).
Reference:
- Kim S-H, Ha K-I, Han K-Y. Biceps load test: a clinical test for superior labrum anterior and posterior lesions in shoulders with recurrent anterior dislocations. The American journal of sports medicine. 1999;27(3):300