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Title: Physical examination of the rotator cuff

Category: Orthopedics

Keywords: Shoulder, Rotator cuff (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/11/2010 by Brian Corwell, MD (Updated: 12/18/2010)

Supraspinatus: “Empty can” test. Have the patient abduct the shoulders to 90 degrees in forward flexion with the thumbs pointing downward. The patient attempts to lift the arms against the examiner’s resistance.

http://bjsportmed.com/content/42/8/628/F2.large.jpg

Infraspinatus and teres minor: These muscles are responsible for external rotation of the shoulder. Have the patient flex both elbows to 90 degrees while the examiner provides resistance against external rotation.

http://www.physio-pedia.com/images/4/4b/Infraspinatus_test.jpg

Subscapularis: “Lift-off” test. The patient rests the dorsum of the hand on the lower back (palm out) and then attempts to move the arm and hand off the back.  Patients with tears may be unable to complete test due to pain.

http://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0215/afp20080215p453-f4.jpg

References

1) http://bjsportmed.com

2) http://www.aafp.org


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