External Rotation Strength Test |
Examination type |
Muscle
strength, RROM |
Patient & Body Segment Positioning |
The patient
sits on a table upright and facing the examiner. The patient
flexes both elbows to 90 degrees.
|
Examiner Position |
The examiner
should be facing the patient with one hand on the elbow to
stabilize and the other hand on the outside of the patient’s
hand to provide resistance on the involved side. |
Tissues
Being Tested |
Teres minor
and infraspinatus muscles |
Performing the Test |
While the
patient’s elbows are flexed at 90 degrees, the examiner uses one
hand to stabilize the elbow and the other hand to give
resistance on the dorsal side of the wrist. The patient then
externally rotates against the examiner pushing the shoulder
into internal rotation to provide resistance. Repeat the test
on the uninvolved shoulder and compare results. |
Positive Test |
Sharp or
dull pain with resistance; inability to externally rotate or the
presence of muscle weakness |
Interpretation |
Pain or
weakness may indicate rotator cuff impingement or some tearing
of the rotator cuff |
Common errors in
performing exam |
Not
stabilizing the elbow or giving resistance near the elbow |
Factors possibly
resulting in misinterpretation |
Muscle
fatigue and muscle soreness |
Related tests |
Abrasion Sign,
Lateral rotation lag sign |
References |
Thompson, C. &
Floyd, R.T. (2004). Manual of Structural Kinesiology, 15th
Edition.
Magee, David
J. (2002). Orthopedic Physical Assessment. Philadelphia,
PA: Elsevier |
Links: |
http://www.usask.ca/cme/articles/fmse/index.php
http://www.nismat.org/orthocor/exam/shoulder.html |
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