Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

What condition is assessed by Speed's test?

1. Fracture of the humerus

2. Impingement (tendonitis/bursitis)

3. Rotator cuff tear

4. Dislocation of the shoulder

The correct answer is: Impingement (tendonitis/bursitis)

Speed's test is primarily used to assess for the presence of bicipital tendonitis or shoulder impingement. During the test, the examiner palpates the biceps tendon while the patient resists shoulder flexion at 60 degrees, which places stress on the tendon. Pain or tenderness in the anterior shoulder region typically indicates inflammation of the long head of the biceps tendon, which is associated with impingement syndromes. In comparing the other conditions mentioned, while they can involve shoulder pain, they are not specifically evaluated by Speed's test. For instance, a fracture of the humerus would present with different clinical signs and symptoms, including severe pain, swelling, and possibly deformity. A rotator cuff tear might be assessed using other specific tests focused on rotator cuff integrity, such as the drop arm test or empty can test. Dislocation of the shoulder would result in clear deformity and instability rather than the characteristic pain associated with bicipital tendonitis that Speed's test is designed to isolate. Thus, Speed's test serves a distinct purpose in evaluating for impingement and associated tendonitis rather than the other listed conditions.