OnExam
Drop Arm Test
Assesses for supraspinatus tear, subacromial impingement
Performing the Test
The examiner begins by abducting the patient's arm to 90°, patient is to slowly return arm to body following same movement arc
Positive test:inability to control arm descent in smooth, controlled manner
Sensitivity: 27%, Specificity: 88%
LR+ = 2.25, LR- =0.83
References
Essential Evidence Plus. http://www.essentialevidenceplus.com. 2011. Accessed February 2011.
Hurley K. OSCE and Clinical Skills Handbook. Halifax: Elsevier Canada; 2005.