Shoulder - Special Tests

Question 1

Apprehension Test

Answer 1

Shoulder abducted and elbow flexed to 90

Force arm into external rotation while blocking linkage

+ Test = patient apprehensive about repeat dislocation

GLENOHUMERAL INSTABILITY

Question 2

Empty Can Test

Answer 2

Assesses rotator cuff pathology (supraspinatus) (ROTATOR CUFF PATHOLOGY)

+Test = Pain or weakness

Flex shoulders to 90, abduct to 45

Internall rotate arms so thumbs points down

Push down on the forearms

Question 3

Drop Arm Test

Answer 3

+Test = Arm will drop // gentle tap causes arm to drop

Indicates = Full tear of supraspinatus m (ROTATOR CUFF PATHOLOGY)

Abduct arm to 90, slowly drop arm

Question 4

Painful Arc Test

Answer 4

+Test = Painful at 60-120 degrees of shoulder abduction

Subacromial impingement/rotator cuff injury

Patient abducts arm starting at side

Question 5

Neer Impingement

Answer 5

+Test = Pain

Indicates = subacromial bursa/rotator cuff impringement

Pronate forearm, passively fully flex patient’s shoulder

Question 6

Hawkins Test

Answer 6

+Test = Pain

Indicates = Subacromial Bursa / Rotator cuff impringement

Flex shoulder to 90, flex elbow to 90, internally rotate humerus

Question 7

Acromioclavicular Test

Answer 7

+Test = Pain in AC joint with end range adduction

Indicates: AC Joint Pathology

Physican horizontally ADducts patients arm to opposite shoulder