Speeds test is commonly used to diagnose pathology of which structure?

Speeds test is commonly used to diagnose pathology of which structure?

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

Answer: (B)

Speeds test loads the long head of the biceps tendon during resisted shoulder flexion with the elbow extended and the forearm supinated. If this tendon is inflamed or torn, the motion reproduces pain in the bicipital groove, pointing to pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon or tendonitis. This is distinct from subacromial bursa issues, which tend to present with impingement-type pain and tenderness around the subacromial space; supraspinatus tendon problems are usually revealed with tests like resisted abduction or empty can, not primarily by loading the biceps tendon. Labral pathology is better suggested by tests that stress the superior labrum and the biceps anchor, such as O’Brien or related provocative maneuvers. So the maneuver specifically identifies issues with the long head of the biceps tendon.

Speeds test loads the long head of the biceps tendon during resisted shoulder flexion with the elbow extended and the forearm supinated. If this tendon is inflamed or torn, the motion reproduces pain in the bicipital groove, pointing to pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon or tendonitis. This is distinct from subacromial bursa issues, which tend to present with impingement-type pain and tenderness around the subacromial space; supraspinatus tendon problems are usually revealed with tests like resisted abduction or empty can, not primarily by loading the biceps tendon. Labral pathology is better suggested by tests that stress the superior labrum and the biceps anchor, such as O’Brien or related provocative maneuvers. So the maneuver specifically identifies issues with the long head of the biceps tendon.