During examination for suspected distal biceps tendon rupture, which finding on the Hook test indicates rupture?

During examination for suspected distal biceps tendon rupture, which finding on the Hook test indicates rupture?

• A. The tendon can be easily hooked with a finger.
• B. The tendon is inflamed on palpation.
• C. The examiner cannot hook the tendon, indicating it is detached.
• D. There is normal Hook test with tendon intact.

Answer: (C)

The Hook test checks whether the distal biceps tendon remains attached at its insertion. With the elbow flexed about 90 degrees, the examiner attempts to hook the edge of the distal biceps tendon from the antecubital fossa. If the tendon is intact, you can hook it easily. If the tendon has ruptured and retracts, there is nothing to hook, so you cannot hook the tendon. That inability to hook indicates a rupture. Inflammation on palpation would suggest tendinopathy rather than rupture, and a normal Hook test would mean the tendon is intact, not ruptured.

The Hook test checks whether the distal biceps tendon remains attached at its insertion. With the elbow flexed about 90 degrees, the examiner attempts to hook the edge of the distal biceps tendon from the antecubital fossa. If the tendon is intact, you can hook it easily. If the tendon has ruptured and retracts, there is nothing to hook, so you cannot hook the tendon. That inability to hook indicates a rupture. Inflammation on palpation would suggest tendinopathy rather than rupture, and a normal Hook test would mean the tendon is intact, not ruptured.