Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Infraspinatus Strength Test

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Video coming soon

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 helpfulWide CI
Evidence:Moderate

Rotator Cuff Disease

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

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming soon
Shoulder Strength
Rule in:VHFunctional Neurologic Disease, HInfraspinatus Tear, SHSupraspinatus Tear +3 more
Rule out:HSupraspinatus Tear, SHFunctional Neurologic Disease, NHInfraspinatus Tear +3 more
🎬Video coming soon
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 soon
Shoulder Palpation
Rule in:MHBiceps Tendinopathy, NHAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology, IERotator Cuff Disease
Rule out:NHAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology, ICBiceps Tendinopathy, IERotator Cuff Disease
🎬Video coming soon
Cross-body Adduction Test
aka Scarf test
Rule in:NHAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology
Rule out:NHAcromioclavicular Joint Pathology
🎬Video coming soon
Drop Arm Test
aka Codman test
Rule in:SHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
Rule out:NHSubacromial Impingement, ICSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
🎬Video coming soon
Empty Can Test
aka Jobe test
Rule in:SHSupraspinatus Tear, MHSubacromial Impingement, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy
Rule out:SHSubacromial Impingement, MHSupraspinatus Tear, NHSupraspinatus Tendinopathy

Related Systems / Regions

MusculoskeletalShoulderUpper Extremities

Related Diagnoses

Infraspinatus TearRotator Cuff Disease

Related Chief Complaints

Difficulty Lifting the ArmLoss of Shoulder MotionNight-time Shoulder PainPain with Overhead ActivityShoulder InjuryShoulder PainShoulder WeaknessWeakness Turning the Arm Outward

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.