Shoulder Special Tests for Impingement, Biceps and Rotator Cuff

The part draws on systematic reviews by Hegedus from 2008 and 2012. Many shoulder tests have sensitivity or specificity below 70%, and the published values only apply when a test is done as originally described. The Neer test, for example, was described in sitting with a subacromial injection and retest, which is rarely done. The speaker shows modified versions of the Neer and Hawkins-Kennedy tests, both of which narrow the subacromial space. Speed's test, with a sensitivity of 32%, mainly suggests anterior shoulder pain that needs further testing. A modified drop arm test places the arm in mid-range scaption and checks whether the cuff holds it. The empty can test loads supraspinatus heavily, while the full can test is kinder for irritable shoulders. The external rotation lag sign as described at 20 degrees of abduction mainly finds massive cuff tears, so the speaker also tests at 90 degrees, close to the hornblower sign. The biceps load II test stresses the long head of biceps and labrum.