Flexion Initiation Test: Difference between revisions

No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 5: Line 5:
* Distal biceps rupture is from the excessive eccentric force as the arm is brought into extension from flexion. These activities include weightlifting, wrestling, and labor-intensive job. Risk factors include age, smoking, obesity, use of corticosteroids, and overuse.
* Distal biceps rupture is from the excessive eccentric force as the arm is brought into extension from flexion. These activities include weightlifting, wrestling, and labor-intensive job. Risk factors include age, smoking, obesity, use of corticosteroids, and overuse.
* The incidence of distal biceps tendon rupture is around 2.55 per 100,000 patient-years. Most patients (more than 95%) are males, and injury events usually happen during middle age (35 years to 54 years). Rupture of the distal biceps mainly involves the dominant limb.<ref name=":0">Hsu D, Anand P, Chang KV. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513235/?report=printable Biceps tendon rupture]. StatPearls [Internet]. 2020 Apr 20.Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513235/?report=printable (accessed 29.9.2021)</ref>
* The incidence of distal biceps tendon rupture is around 2.55 per 100,000 patient-years. Most patients (more than 95%) are males, and injury events usually happen during middle age (35 years to 54 years). Rupture of the distal biceps mainly involves the dominant limb.<ref name=":0">Hsu D, Anand P, Chang KV. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513235/?report=printable Biceps tendon rupture]. StatPearls [Internet]. 2020 Apr 20.Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513235/?report=printable (accessed 29.9.2021)</ref>
* Another test that can be used is the hook test (used to identify the absence of the biceps tendon at its distal insertion). First, the examiner positions the patient's arm in 90 degrees of flexion and then supinates it. Second, the examiner tries to hook the tendon underneath the skin. The intact distal biceps tendon permits the examiner to hook the index finger under the biceps tendon. This test has a high specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing distal biceps tear.<ref name=":0" />
* Another test that can be used is the [[Elbow Hook Test|hook test]] (used to identify the absence of the biceps tendon at its distal insertion).<ref name=":0" />


=== Technique ===
=== Technique ===

Revision as of 05:37, 29 September 2021

Original Editor - Anas Mohamed Top Contributors - Anas Mohamed, Lucinda hampton and Kim Jackson

Purpose[edit | edit source]

The Flexion Initiation Test (FIT) is a diagnostic test for Distal Biceps Tendon Tears.

  • Distal biceps rupture is from the excessive eccentric force as the arm is brought into extension from flexion. These activities include weightlifting, wrestling, and labor-intensive job. Risk factors include age, smoking, obesity, use of corticosteroids, and overuse.
  • The incidence of distal biceps tendon rupture is around 2.55 per 100,000 patient-years. Most patients (more than 95%) are males, and injury events usually happen during middle age (35 years to 54 years). Rupture of the distal biceps mainly involves the dominant limb.[1]
  • Another test that can be used is the hook test (used to identify the absence of the biceps tendon at its distal insertion).[1]

Technique[edit | edit source]

Step 1. Patient position in sitting or standing position.

Step 2. Patient’s arm is positioned in complete extension and supination.

Step 3. Examiner applies resistance on the palmar wrist, then ask the patient to flex the elbow against resistance.

Step 4. Positive test indicates when patient unable to flex first 10 to 15 degree of the elbow flexion.

Evidence[edit | edit source]

In 2021, the Evidence-Based Diagnostic Algorithm study was done in 125 patients. the study shows the flexion initiating test (FIT) has

Overall Complete tear and high grade partial tear
sensitivity 93% sensitivity 100%
specificity 96%

See the test diagnostics page for an explanation of statistics.

also, in this study shows using both hook test and flexion initiating test have high accuracy for examine both complete and high grade partial tear of Distal Biceps Tendon Tears. The methodology may help to prevent diagnosis delays, improve patient education, and preserve the option for timely primary surgical repair in the treatment of Distal Biceps Tendon Tears (DBTTs).[2]

Reference[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Hsu D, Anand P, Chang KV. Biceps tendon rupture. StatPearls [Internet]. 2020 Apr 20.Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513235/?report=printable (accessed 29.9.2021)
  2. Bono OJ, Shah SS, Peterson J, Golenbock SW, Ross G. The Flexion Initiation Test and an Evidence-Based Diagnostic Algorithm for Distal Biceps Tendon Tears. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2021;3(3):e721-e726. Published 2021 Mar 13. doi:10.1016/j.asmr.2021.01.010