Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Shoulder Strength
🎬
Video coming soon
How to Perform
Test shoulder strength against resistance in flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. For each movement, compare both sides before moving to the next. Grade strength and note any pain or give-way weakness.
How to Interpret
Showing 4 of 6 findings
Functional Neurologic Disease
Give-way (collapsing) weakness on resisted strength testing
Rule in
Very helpfulNo CI
Rule out
Somewhat helpfulNo CI
Evidence:Moderate
Infraspinatus Tear
Positive external rotation lag sign with the arm at the side (0 degrees of abduction)
Rule in
HelpfulWide CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Subscapularis Tear
Positive internal rotation lag sign
Rule in
InconclusiveWide CI
Rule out
Not helpfulWide CI
Evidence:Strong
Supraspinatus Tear
Empty can (Jobe) test positive on resisted abduction
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
HelpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Related Bedside Tests
🎬Video coming soon
Elbow Strength
Rule in:VHFunctional Neurologic Disease, HCervical Radiculopathy, NHDistal Biceps Tendon Rupture +1 more
Rule out:SHCervical Radiculopathy, SHFunctional Neurologic Disease, ICDistal Biceps Tendon Rupture +1 more
MembersSubscribe to viewSign in
Biceps Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Biceps jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy +2 more
Rule out:MHPeripheral Neuropathy, NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy +2 more
🎬Video coming soon
Brachioradialis Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Supinator jerk
Rule in:HCervical Radiculopathy, SHCervical Myelopathy
Rule out:SHCervical Myelopathy, SHCervical Radiculopathy
🎬Video coming soon
Infraspinatus Strength Test
Rule in:SHRotator Cuff Disease, MHInfraspinatus Tear
Rule out:SHInfraspinatus Tear, SHRotator Cuff Disease
🎬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
🎬Video coming soon
Supraspinatus Palpation
aka Rent test; transdeltoid palpation
Rule in:VHSupraspinatus Tear, IESubacromial Bursitis, IESupraspinatus Tendinopathy
Rule out:VHSupraspinatus Tear, IESubacromial Bursitis, IESupraspinatus Tendinopathy