Shoulder Exam Competency

Question 1

What are the components that make up the Shoulder Girdle?

Answer 1

1. SC joint
2. AC joint
3. Glenohumeral Joint
4. Scapula

Question 2

Name the rotator cuff muscles.

Answer 2

SSIT

Subscapularis - Supraspinatus - Infraspinatus - Teres Minor

Question 3

List the different motions of the Glenohumeral Joint and their degrees/muscles.

Answer 3

Flexion: 180 Degrees (Anterior Deltoid & Coracobrachialis)

Extension: 60 Degrees (Latissimus dorsi and Teres Major)

ABduction: 180 Degrees (Supraspinatus and Mid-Deltoid)

Horizontal ABduction: 40-55 or 130-145 Degrees

Horizontal ADduction: 40-50 or 130-140 Degrees (Pectoralis major and Latissimus dorsi)

External Rotation: 90 Degrees (Infraspinatus and Teres Minor)

Internal Rotation: 90 Degrees (Subscapularis and Pectoralis Minor)

Question 4

List the different motions at the AC joint and their degrees.

Answer 4

Axial Rotation: 10 Degrees

Question 5

List the different motions at the SC joint.

Answer 5

ABduction: Distal end of Clavicle (moves SUPERIOR) and Proximal end of Clavicle (moves INFERIOR)

ADduction: Distal end of Clavicle (moves INFERIOR) and Proximal end of Clavicle (moves SUPERIOR)

Horizontal Flexion: Distal end of Clavicle (moves ANTERIOR) and Proximal end of Clavicle (moves POSTERIOR)

Horizontal Extension: Distal end of Clavicle (move POSTERIOR) and Proximal end of Clavicle (moves ANTERIOR)

Question 6

List the different motions and muscles associated with movement of the SCAPULA.

Answer 6

1. Retraction: Rhomboid Major and Minor
2. Protraction: Serratus Anterior
3. Elevation: Upper trapezius and Levator Scapulae
4. Depression: Lower Trapezius and Lower Rhomboids

Question 7

What are the two tests that you can perform to look for Rotator Cuff pathology?

Answer 7

1. Empty can Test: Positive Test is SUPRASPINATUS M.

2. Drop-Arm Test: Positive Test is Full thickness tear of the SUPRASPINATUS M.

Question 8

What are the two tests that you can perform to look for Glenohumeral Instability?

Answer 8

1. Apprehension Test: Shoulder Abducted to 90 degrees and elbow FLEXED to 90 degrees. Force arms into EXTERNAL rotation. Positive Test = Glenohumeral Instability (Scared of repeat dislocation)
2. Sulcus Sign: Apply inferior traction to pts arm. Positive Test = Indentation appears in area beneath the acromion

Question 9

What are the two tests that you can perform to look for unstable bicipital tendon/subluxation and bicipital tendonitis?

Answer 9

1. Yeargason’s Test: Flex Pts arm to 90 degrees. Have Pt SUPINATE and EXTERNALLY ROTATE against resistance. Positive Test = Pain and/or Tendon subluxation out of groove
2. Speed’s Test: Pts arm is FLEXED (50-90 degrees) @ the shoulder and SUPINATED. Flight flex Pts elbow and Resist forearm as Pt tries to further flex the SHOULDER. Positive Test = Pain in Bicipital Groove

Question 10

What are the two tests that you can perform to look for Rotator Cuff Impingement?

Answer 10

1. Neer Impingement Test: Passively flex shoulder to 180 degrees. Positive Test = Pain
2. Hawkins Test: FLEX should to 90, FLEX elbow to 90, SLIGHTLY ADduct and passively rotate the humerus into INTERNAL rotation. Positive Test = Pain

Question 11

Which test can you use to assess range of motion in the shoulder?

Answer 11

Apley Scratch Test: One hand over head and other under!

Question 12

Which test can you use to assess if Subscapularis Weakness is present?

Answer 12

LIFT OFF TEST