Shoulder Physical Exam Tests

Background

With arms out to side at 90 deg:

Internal rotation --> drops hand forward

External rotation --> raises hand up (like testifying in court)

(pain with)

-passive forward elevation

-internal rotation with arm abducted 90 degrees

-external rotation with arm abducted at 90 degrees,

-adduction

-pt holds outstretched arm at 90 degrees of abduction, doc pushes down at wrist

-arm drop signifies weakness secondary to rotator cuff tear

-pain without weakness suggests subacromial bursitis or supraspinatus tendinitis

8/07 DONALDSON (adapted from Miller, Mistry)

Authors: