Thoracic Limb Special Tests

Question 1

Clear the cervical spine (2)

Answer 1

1. Cookie stretches (flexion: cookie to chest; extension: cookie OH; SB: cookie to shoulder; Add rotation: cookie up and over shoulder to test extension and rotation
2. TL conscious proprioception

Question 2

Abduction stress test (purpose, technique, normal vs. abnormal)

Answer 2

Purpose: MSS/MSI; integrity of MGHL and capsule

Technique: stabilize scap (fingers on either side of the spine of scap, stay behind acromion); shoulder extension and abduction

WNL: Equal R and L; no pain; generally less than 40 deg

Abnormal: > 50 deg, may or may not have pain

Question 3

Subscapularis flexibility test (purpose, technique, normal vs. abnormal)

Answer 3

Purpose: Integrity of subscap muscle and tendon

Technique: Stabilize scap; shoulder flexion and ER

WNL: Muscle/tendon end feel; non-painful, R = L

Abnormal: pain, increased ER -or- empty end feel -or- increased ER without pain (complete tear)

Question 4

Medial GHJ glide (purpose, technique, normal vs. abnormal)

Answer 4

Purpose: test integrity of GHJ capsule and MGHL

Technique: shoulder in neutral; use thumbs on lateral proximal humerus to medially glide the humerus

WNL: R=L, capsular end feel 3/6

Abnormal: 4/6 or greater; painful

Question 5

Campbell’s test (purpose, technique, normal vs. abnormal)

Answer 5

Purpose: Valid for MCL an dLCL integrity

Technique: Elbow and carpus at 90 deg flex; fully pronate (MCL) and supinate (LCL) antebrachium

WNL: Pain-free, ligamentous end feel

Abnormal: Pain