Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Infraspinatus Strength Test

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient's upper arms at the sides and elbows flexed to 90° (elbows tucked against the trunk), ask the patient to externally rotate both forearms outward against your resistance. A positive test is weakness or pain.

How to Interpret

Showing all 2 findings

Infraspinatus Tendon Tear

External rotation resistance test positive (weakness)
Rule in
Minimally helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Limited

Rotator Cuff Disease

External rotation resistance test positive (pain or weakness)
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Hermans J, Luime JJ, Meuffels DE, Reijman M, Simel DL, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA. Does this patient with shoulder pain have rotator cuff disease? The Rational Clinical Examination systematic review. JAMA. 2013 Aug 28;310(8):837-847. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.276187. PMID: 23982370.
  • Sgroi M, Loitsch T, Reichel H, Kappe T. Diagnostic value of clinical tests for infraspinatus tendon tears. Arthroscopy. 2019 May;35(5). doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2018.12.003. PMID: 30770251.
  • McGee S. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Related Systems / Regions

MusculoskeletalUpper Extremities

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Shoulder Active Range of Motion
Rule in:SHRotator Cuff Disease
Rule out:SHRotator Cuff Disease
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Shoulder Strength
Rule in:HInfraspinatus Tear (Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff), IESubscapularis Tear, IESupraspinatus Tear
Rule out:IESubscapularis Tear, IESupraspinatus Tear
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Cross-body Adduction Test
aka Scarf test
Rule in:IEAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology
Rule out:IEAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Drop Arm Test
aka Codman's test
Rule in:SHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
Rule out:NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Empty Can Test
aka Jobe's 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, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy, IERotator Cuff Tendinopathy +1 more
Rule out:SHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy, IERotator Cuff Tendinopathy +1 more