Elbow and Shoulder Exam Flashcards
What are common shoulder problems pts complain of?
- Stiffness
- Pain
- Instability
- Decreased ROM
What inspection components are involved in the PE of the upper extremities?
- Compare shoulder contours (anteriorly)
A. Alignment of clavicles - Symmetry of sternoclavicluar and acromioclavicular (AC) joints
- Scpaula (posteriorly)
- Note scars, masses, lesions, abrasions, bruising, and erythema of the skin at and around the shoulders
- Note swelling, deformity, muscle atrophy, and asymmetry of the soft tissues and bones
What needs to be palpated on the UE exam?
- Temperature
- Tenderness
A. Clavicle
B. AC Joint
C. Humerus
D. Biceps tendon
E. Supraspinatus tendon
What ROM needs to be examined for UE exam?
Flexion Extension Abduction Adduction Internal rotation (IR) External rotation (ER)
How is forward flexion assessed?
Forward Flexion: “raise both your arms in front of you until they are straight above your head:
0 degrees straight down
180 degrees straight up
How is ER and ABD assessed in UE exam?
External Rotation and Abduction: “place both your hands behind your neck with your elbows out to the sides:
How is Abd and Add assessed?
“raise both arms from your sides straight over head, palms together; now bring them slowly down to your side again”
How is extension and IR assessed?
“bring you arms toward your back and place your hands between the shoulder blades”
most can reach lower border of scapula (T7)
Where does UE strength need to be assessed? How is it documented?
Check strength in each plane of motion Flexion Extension Abduction Adduction IR ER Documented as 1-5 out of 5 (ie 5/5 nl)
What is Apley’s Scratch test?
- Tests for limitations in motions of the upper extremity. Each motion is performed bilaterally to compare.
Action 1: The subject is instructed to touch the opposite shoulder with his/her hand. This motion checks Glenohumeral adduction, internal rotation, horizontal adduction and scapular protraction.
Action 2: The subject is instructed to place his/her arm overhead and reach behind the neck to touch his/her upper back. This motion checks Glenohumeral abduction, external rotation and scapular upward rotation and elevation.
Action 3: The subject puts his/her hand on the lower back and reaches upward as far as possible. This motion checks glenohumeral adduction, internal rotation and scapular retraction with downward rotation
What is the empty can test?
A. Testing supraspinatus strength
B. Helpful to distinguish between shoulder impingement/RCT
C. Interpretation:
D. Arm weakness is suspect for RCT
E. Patient sitting or standing
F. Shoulders abducted 45 degrees, forward flexed 45 degrees, and internally rotated
G. Patient attempts to resist downward pressure
What is the drop arm test?
- Shoulder placed in empty can position then pt asked to maintain position
- Perform when pt unable to perform active abduction of shoulder
- Test for RTC strength
- Suspect rotator cuff tear
What is the interpretation of the drop arm test?
- Arm drops to side quickly, pain, “ratcheting motion” in alternative test
- Probable RCT
What does Speed’s Test assess?
Test for Biceps strength
Test for Bicipital tendonopathy
What is the interpretation of Speed’s test?
Bicep tendonitis
Possible labral tear
How is SPeed’s test performed?
Supinated arm flexed forward 90 degrees
Downward resistance against forward flexion
What does Yergason’s test assess, and how is it performed?
Test for subluxation of biceps tendon out of bicipital groove
Shake pt’s hand
Resistance against supination
May be able to palpate actively subluxing long head of the biceps
What does the apprehension sign test for?
Testing for anterior shoulder instability
Possible torn labrum
What is a positive interpretation of the apprehension sign?
Positive if produces pain and/or shifting
How is an apprehension test performed?
Arm 90 degree of abduction Externally rotate SLOWLY Watch pt’s face Stop if pain or sensation of subluxation present Can perform supine as well
What does the cross arm test assess?
Test for shoulder instability
Helps differentiate AC joint pain from impingement
What is the interpretation of the cross arm test?
Pain indicates positive test
Acromioclavicular joint disease
Sternoclavicular disease
How is the cross arm test performed?
Cross-arm test to check for AC joint arthrosis
Elevate to 90 degrees
Actively adduct
What does Hawkin’s Kennedy test assess?
Test for shoulder impingement
What is the interpretation of Hawkin’s Kennedy test?
Pain is a positive test that suggests impingement of the rotator cuff
How is Hawkin’s Kennedy test performed?
Shoulder and elbow Flexed to 90 degrees
Support at the elbow
Passively internally rotate humerus
What does the Neer test assess?
Test for shoulder impingement
what is the interpretation of the Neer test?
Pain suggests impingement of the rotator cuff