Shoulder Exam - Positives & Indicators

Question 1

Impingement Sign

Answer 1

Positive: Pain in the shoulderIndicates: Overuse injury to the supraspinatus and possibly biceps tendon

Question 2

Posterior Apprehension Test

Answer 2

Positive: Patient will have a noticeable look of apprehension or alarm on their face with possible painIndicates: Chronic posterior dislocation of the shoulder (glenohumeral joint)

Question 3

Anterior Apprehension Test

Answer 3

Positive: Patient will have a noticeable look of apprehension or alarm on their face with possible painIndicates: Chronic anterior dislocation of the shoulder (glenohumeral joint)

Question 4

Dawbarn Test

Answer 4

Positive: Decrease in pain and/or tendernessIndicates: Subacromial bursitis

Question 5

Yergason Test

Answer 5

Positive: Localized pain and/or tenderness at the bicipital grooveIndicates: Bicipital tendinitisPositive: Audible click or the biceps tendon subluxes or dislocatesIndicates: Instability of the biceps tendon possibly associated with a torn transverse humeral ligament

Question 6

Abbott-Saunders Test

Answer 6

Positive: Palpable and/or audible clickIndicates: Subluxation or dislocation of the biceps tendon (Rupture of the transverse humeral ligament or tendon subluxation beneath subscapularis muscle belly)

Question 7

Speed Test

Answer 7

Positive: Pain and/or tenderness in the bicipital grooveIndicates: Bicipital tendinitis

Question 8

Apley Test

Answer 8

Positive: Exacerbation of painIndicates: Degenerative tendinitis of rotator cuff tendons (usually supraspinatus)

Question 9

Drop Arm TestCodman Drop Arm Test

Answer 9

Positive: Patient will not be able to lower the arm slowly or the arm drops suddenlyIndicates: Rotator cuff tear, usually supraspinatus

Question 10

Dugas Test

Answer 10

Positive: Inability to touch the opposite shoulder and/or inability of the elbow to touch the chestIndicates: Acute dislocation of the shoulder (glenohumeral joint)