Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Cross-body Adduction Test

also known as Scarf test
🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Position the shoulder at approximately 90° of forward flexion. Support the arm and passively move it horizontally across the chest toward the opposite shoulder, continuing into maximal adduction. The test is positive when pain is reproduced over the acromioclavicular joint.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Acromioclavicular Joint Pathology

Positive cross-body adduction test
Rule in
Not helpful
Rule out
Not helpfulWide CI
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Cadogan A, McNair P, Laslett M, Hing W. Shoulder pain in primary care: diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination tests for non-traumatic acromioclavicular joint pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2013;14:156. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-14-156. PMID 23634871. PMC3646690 (open access).
  • McGee S. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.

Related Systems / Regions

MusculoskeletalUpper Extremities

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Shoulder Palpation
Rule in:MHBiceps Tendinopathy, NHAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology, IERotator Cuff Disease
Rule out:ICAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology, ICBiceps Tendinopathy, IERotator Cuff Disease
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Drop Arm Test
aka Codman test
Rule in:SHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
Rule out:NHSubacromial Impingement, ICSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Empty Can Test
aka Jobe test
Rule in:SHSupraspinatus Tear, MHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
Rule out:SHSubacromial Impingement, MHSupraspinatus Tear, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Hawkins Impingement Sign
aka Hawkins-Kennedy test
Rule in:MHSubacromial Impingement, ICSupraspinatus Tendinopathy, IERotator Cuff Tendinopathy +1 more
Rule out:SHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy, IERotator Cuff Tendinopathy +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Infraspinatus Strength Test
Rule in:SHRotator Cuff Disease, MHInfraspinatus Tear
Rule out:SHInfraspinatus Tear, SHRotator Cuff Disease
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Lift-off Test
aka Gerber test
Rule in:VHSubacromial Impingement
Rule out:MHSubacromial Impingement