Shoulder Special Tests

Question 1

Posterior Load and Shift Test

Answer 1

Tests humeral head translation
stabilize clavicle and scap, load the humeral head and translate post
more than 25% translation is pos

Question 2

Sulcus Sign

Answer 2

tests humeral head translation
stabilize clavicle and scap, grab humeral head, give inf force
pos if more than one finger width
stab scap so that no accessory motion

Question 3

Hawkins - Kennedy Test

Answer 3

Tests for supraspinatus impingement - biceps as well
flex shoulder to 90, IR
shoulder pain indicates impingement

Question 4

O’Briens Test

Answer 4

Tests SLAP lesion
90 deg flex, ~30 deg hor adduction, max IR. resisted flex. repeat in ER
Pain in IR only, or deep in joint - SLAP lesion
pain at top of shoulder - AC pathology

Question 5

Anterior Load and Shift Test

Answer 5

Tests humeral head translation
Stabilize the clavicle and scap, load the humeral head, translate ant,
more than 25% translation is pos

Question 6

Yergason Test

Answer 6

tests bicipital tendonitis
elbow flexed to 90, forearm pronated, resist ER and supination
pain at bicipital groove is pos

Question 7

Speeds Test

Answer 7

Tests for bicipital tendonitis
shoulder flexed to 90, elbow ext and supinated. resist shoulder flexion
tenderness/pain at bicipital groove is pos

Question 8

Apprehension and Relocation Test

Answer 8

Tests for dislocation of the GH
pt lies supine, abducted to 90, elbow at 90, examiner ER the shoulder. Look for apprehension - if there, try relocation - same thing but with you putting force on ant shoulder to stabilize. if apprehension reduces, confirms ant instability

Question 9

Full Can/Empty Can

Answer 9

Tests for supraspinatus tendonitis
shoulder abducted to 90, horizontal abd to ~30, and IR (empty can) resist shoulder abduction. repeat in ER (full can)
weakness/pain pos for tendonitis

Question 10

Drop Arm Test

Answer 10

shoulder abd to 90, release your hold, do not let theur arm drop
inability to hold arm in that position indicates RC pathology

Question 11

Adson’s Sign

Answer 11

Tests for TOS
90 deg abd, palpate radial pulse, pt takes a deep breath facing ahead, exhale facing the examiner
diminished/absent radial pulse - subclavian artery is compressed by scalenes

Question 12

Hyperabduction

Answer 12

tests for TOS
both arms adb to 90, eblow at 90, ER. hold 15-20s
cold, pain, tingling in hands - vein compressed

Question 13

Roos Test

Answer 13

tests for TOS
both arms abd to 90, elbow at 90, ER, pt rapidly opens and closes hands for 3 min
pain, weakness, tingling, inability to cont - TOS