Yergason’s test assesses pathology of which structure?

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

Answer: (A)

Yergason’s test focuses on the long head of the biceps tendon as it runs in the bicipital groove. When you have the patient flex the elbow to about 90 degrees and resist their active forearm supination, you place a load on that tendon. If there is pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon—such as tendinopathy or tenosynovitis—or instability of the tendon within the groove (often from laxity of the transverse humeral ligament), the test will provoke pain in the bicipital groove and may reveal a snapping or subluxation of the tendon. This is why the long head of the biceps tendon is the best answer.

Other structures are associated with different tests: subscapularis pathology is assessed by tests like the lift-off or belly-press; supraspinatus pathology by tests such as the empty can or full can; glenoid labrum pathology is evaluated with tests like Obrien’s or crank tests.