Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Infraspinatus Strength Test

🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Instruct the patient to keep their upper arms tucked against their sides with elbows flexed to 90°. Place your hands on the outside of the patient's wrists. Ask the patient to push their hands outward (externally rotating the shoulders) while you apply inward resistance

How to Interpret

Showing all 2 findings

Infraspinatus Tear

External rotation resistance test positive (weakness)
Rule in
Minimally helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
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):1339-1347. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2018.12.003. PMID: 30770251.
  • 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 Strength
Rule in:HInfraspinatus Tear, SHSupraspinatus Tear, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
Rule out:HSupraspinatus Tear, NHInfraspinatus Tear, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Shoulder Active Range of Motion
Rule in:SHRotator Cuff Disease, IEAdhesive Capsulitis, IEScapular Dyskinesis
Rule out:SHRotator Cuff Disease, IEAdhesive Capsulitis, IEScapular Dyskinesis
🎬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
Cross-body Adduction Test
aka Scarf test
Rule in:NHAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology
Rule out:NHAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology
🎬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