Which clinical test is used to assess bicipital tenosynovitis?

The Speed test is specifically designed to assess bicipital tenosynovitis, which involves inflammation of the biceps tendon and its synovial sheath. During this test, the patient is asked to flex the elbow while the examiner applies resistance to the movement, typically at the shoulder level. A positive response, indicated by pain in the anterior shoulder region, suggests irritation or inflammation in the biceps tendon, effectively pointing towards bicipital tenosynovitis.

In contrast, the other tests mentioned serve different purposes. The Drop Arm test is primarily used to evaluate rotator cuff tears, particularly the supraspinatus tendon, by assessing the patient's ability to lower an arm slowly without pain or support. The Neer test is used to diagnose impingement of the rotator cuff under the acromion, focusing on shoulder mechanics rather than the biceps tendon itself. Lastly, the Hawkins-Kennedy test also assesses for shoulder impingement, particularly involving the supraspinatus tendon, by bringing the arm into forward flexion and internal rotation, again not targeting the biceps tendon directly. This distinction highlights why the Speed test is the appropriate choice for diagnosing bicipital tenosynovitis.