Physical examination of the shoulder joint—Part I: Supraspinatus rotator cuff muscle clinical testing

Abstract

Clinical testing is an easy and inexpensive tool that provides an informative guide toward initial diagnosis for shoulder joint dysfunctions. Clinical tests can be a powerful aid toward a correct diagnosis or at the least narrowing the differential diagnosis. Family physicians with good understanding of the underlying basic science knowledge of the commonly used clinical tests will be better able to employ a systematic approach in the initial workup and be able to avoid mistakes and errors in patient care.

In this article, common clinical tests to differentiate the etiology of shoulder supraspinatus rotator cuff disorders are presented. The tests presented include the Neer impingement, the Hawkins-Kennedy, the Jobe (empty-can), the painful arc, and the drop-arm tests. This article shows the correct performance and positioning for all tests. Each test is presented with a rational analysis of the test concept, procedure, and clinical application integrated to the relevant underlying basic science.