Supination Pronation Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 3
Supination Pronation Test

What is the "Supination Pronation Test" used for?

  • Distal biceps tendon tear

How to perform the "Supination Pronation Test"?

  • The patient stands with both shoulders abducted to 90° and elbows flexed to 60° to 70°. 
  • The examiner stands in front of the patient and observes the contour of the biceps bilaterally as the patient actively supinates and pronates the forearm. If the distal biceps is intact, the shape of the biceps noticeably changes as the patient supinates (biceps moves proximally or rises) and pronates (biceps moves distally or falls)

What is the positive result?

  • Lack of migration of the biceps muscle indicates a positive test