Ludington’s Test
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Purpose[edit | edit source]
The purpose is to test for a biceps tendon rupture; to test for a tendon pathology.
Positioning[edit | edit source]
The patient has to sit with their back straight, on a chair or stool, with their back to the examiner. The patient is instructed to clasp both hands on the top of their head, allowing the interlocking fingers to support the weight of the upper limbs. The examiner then palpates the biceps tendon and instructs the patient to alternate contraction and relaxation of the biceps muscle. This allows the maximum relaxation of the biceps tendon. The examiner stands facing the patient's back in order to palpate the long head of the biceps tendon.
Technique[edit | edit source]
The patient contracts their biceps muscles by pushing down on their head. The examiner still palpates the long head tendon of the biceps feeling for tension on the tendon. The test should be performed bilaterally for comparison.
Interpretation of the results[edit | edit source]
A positive test for a rupture of the long head of the biceps is indicated by the lack of tension or a decreased tension on the tendon being tested. The inability to feel the tendon indicates a long head of biceps tendon rupture.
