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The backward traction test: a new and effective test for diagnosis of biceps and pulley lesions

Li D, Wang W, Liu Y, Ma X, Huang S, Qu Z

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2020 Feb;29(2):e37-e44

primary study

BACKGROUND: The value of physical examination for diagnosis of lesions of the long head of the biceps (LHB) and the pulley remains unsatisfactory. The purpose of this study was to describe a new diagnostic test, the backward traction (BT) test, to detect lesions of the LHB and the biceps pulley. METHODS: A prospective study of 143 patients was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the BT test and 2 traditional clinical tests (Speed and Yergason tests). Shoulder arthroscopy was used as the "gold standard." RESULTS: For the detection of LHB injury, the BT test was the most sensitive (74%) and accurate (68%). The BT test had a higher diagnostic value for pulley lesions, with a high sensitivity of 81% and an accuracy of 71%. No significant differences in terms of specificity for LHB and pulley lesions were observed between tests. Regarding pulley lesions, the internally rotated and externally rotated BT test positions had high specificity for the diagnosis of specific anteromedial and posterolateral pulley lesions (79% and 73%, respectively). The BT test had a high kappa coefficient of 0.768 to 0.811. CONCLUSION: The BT test is more sensitive and accurate as a new test for LHB and pulley lesions and also specific to distinguish the medial sling and lateral sling lesions of the pulley.

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