10/5 Shoulder Competency

Question 1

How do you perform the Apprehension test? What are you testing? What structure?

Answer 1

Glenohumeral instability

posteriorly stabilize pts. shoulder girdle
externally rotate pts target arm

apprehension = + test

Question 2

How do you perform the Sulcus Sign? What are you testing? What structure?

Answer 2

Glenohumeral instability

grab humerus of target arm
pull straight down

divot below acromnion = + test

Question 3

How do you perform the Yergason’s test? What are you testing? What structure?

Answer 3

Long head of Bicep

flex arm 90°
cephalic hand on deltoid
externally rotate and aBduct forearm

pain, tendon subluxation

testing for unstable bicep tendon/subluxation of bicep

Question 4

How do you perform the Speed’s test? What are you testing? What structure?

Answer 4

Long head of Bicep

flex shoulder to 70°
stabilize posterior shoulder with cephalid hand
SD resists further flexion by pt.

pain + subluxation of bicep tendon = + test

Question 5

How do you perform the Empty Can test? What are you testing? What structure?

Answer 5

Rotator Cuff (supraspinatus specific)

hands straight out in front
abduct to 45
thumbs down
SD resists upward force of patient

full can = thumbs up

pain = + test

Testing for rotator cuff pathology

Question 6

How do you perform the Drop-Arm Test? What are you testing? What structure?

Answer 6

Rotator Cuff (supraspinatus specific)

abductor arms to 90
slowly drop arms on both sides
add tap if you want

failure to smoothly drop (adduct) = + test

testing for full thickness tear of supraspinatus

Question 7

How do you perform the Neer Impingement test? What are you testing? What structure?

Answer 7

pronate arm
flex patients arm slowly

pain = + test

testing for Rotator Cuff Impingement

Question 8

How do you perform the Hawkins Test? What are you testing? What structure?

Answer 8

abduct shoulder 90°
flex elbow 90°
cephalid hand under elbow
pull down on wrist (chicken wing)
repeat while internal rotating 

testing for Rotator Cuff Impingement

Question 9

How do you perform the Lift Off Test? What are you testing? What structure?

Answer 9

pt. seated
target arm bent behind back
pt. pushes against SD resistance outwards

testing for Subscapularis

Question 10

How do you perform the Apley Scratch Test? What are you testing? What structure?

Answer 10

ROM

Upper –> arm over shoulder (compare w/ other arm)

Lower –> arm under shoulder (compare w/ other arm)

Question 11

What dermatomes are found within the shoulder from anterior to posterior?

Answer 11

C5 - T1