Ludington’s test assesses pathology of which structure?

• A. Subscapularis
• B. Supraspinatus
• C. Glenoid labrum
• D. Long head of the biceps tendon

Answer: (D)

Ludington’s test targets pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon. The patient actively contracts the biceps while the clinician palpates the bicipital groove, placing tension on the tendon. If there is tendinopathy, tenosynovitis, or a tear, this setup tends to reproduce pain or tenderness in the course of the tendon, indicating LHBT involvement. This structure runs in the intertubercular groove, so the test isolates issues with that tendon rather than with nearby structures. Other structures, like the subscapularis, supraspinatus, or the glenoid labrum, are associated with different tests (for example, lift-off or internal rotation tests for subscapularis, empty/full can for supraspinatus, and O’Brien or crank tests for labral pathology), which is why Ludington’s test specifically points to the long head of the biceps tendon.