Ch. 13 – The Shoulder and Upper Arm Review of Special Tests

Apley’s Scratch Test

Drop Arm Test  Implications  Inability to lower arm in controlled manner is indicative of lesions to the rotator cuff, especially the supraspinatus

Apprehension test  Implications  Anterior capsule, inferior GH L., or glenoid labrum compromised, allowing humeral head to dislocate or subluxate anteriorly on glenoid fossa

Gerber Lift-off Test  Implications  Tears or weakness of subscapularis muscle

GH Glide Tests

 Implications – laxity of the static stabilizers of the GH joint  Anterior – coracohumeral L., superior and middle GH L., anterior jt capsule, labral tear  Posterior – posterior jt capsule, labral tear  Inferior-anterior – inferior jt capsule, superior GH L., coracohumeral L.

AC Traction Test  Implications  Sprain of AC or costoclavicular ligaments

AC Compression Test  Implications  Damage to AC L., and possibly coracoclavicular L.

Relocation Test

Posterior Apprehension Test  Implications  Laxity in the posterior GH capsule, torn posterior labrum

Test for Posterior Instability in the Plane of the Scapula  Implications  Laxity in posterior GH capsule, coracohumeral L.

Sulcus Sign  Implications  Humeral head slides inferiorly on glenoid fossa, indicating laxity in superior GH ligament

Neer Impingement Test  Implications – Impingement of rotator cuff and/or long head of biceps tendon between greater tuberosity and inferior side of acromion process and AC joint

Hawkins Impingement Test  Implications – Impingement of rotator cuff and/or long head of biceps tendon between greater tuberosity and inferior side of acromion process

Empty Can Test  Implications – the supraspinatus tendon is being impinged between humeral head and coracoacromial arch or is inflamed or contains a lesion

Yergason’s Test  Implications – snapping or popping = tear or laxity of transverse humeral L.; pain only = bicipital tendinitis

Speed’s Test  Implications  Inflammation of long head of biceps tendon in groove; possible tear of transverse L. with concurrent instability of tendon in groove

O’Brien Test  Implications – SLAP lesion

Adson’s Test  Implications  Subclavian artery is being occluded between anterior and middle scalene muscles and pec minor

Allen Test  Implications  Pec minor is compressing neurovascular bundle