Shoulder Examination in Singapore: Resisted External Rotation

Table of Contents

• Positioning
• Procedure
• Common Mistakes
• Anatomical Structures Tested
• Common Pathological Situations

Positioning

The subject stands with the upper arm against the body and the elbow flexed to a right angle. The forearm is held in the sagittal plane, so keeping the shoulder in a neutral position. The examiner stands level with the subject’s arm. He places one hand on the opposite shoulder and the other hand against the outer and distal aspect of the forearm, which he supports.

Procedure

Ask the subject to keep the elbow against the trunk and resist the attempt to push the hand laterally.

Common Mistakes

The subject tends to execute the test wrongly either by bringing the shoulder Positioning. The subject stands with the upper arm against the body and the elbow flexed to a right angle. The forearm is held in the sagittal plane, so keeping the shoulder in a neutral position.

The examiner stands level with the subject’s arm. He places one hand on the opposite shoulder and the other hand against the outer and distal aspect of the forearm, which he supports.

The subject tends to execute the test wrongly either by bringing the shoulder into abduction or by extending the elbow, especially when weakness is present.

Anatomical Structures Tested:

Muscle function:

1. Important external rotators:
   • Infraspinatus
   • Teres minor
2. Less important external rotators:
   • Spinal part of deltoid.

Common Pathological Situations:

• Pain occurs in infraspinatus tendinitis but may also be present in subdeltoid bursitis.
• Weakness indicates a total rupture of the infraspinatus tendon or a neurological condition, e.g. C5 nerve root palsy, suprascapular nerve palsy, neuralgic amyotrophy. Bilateral weakness is suggestive of myopathy.
• Painful weakness is the result of a partial rupture of the infraspinatus tendon.

If you would like an appointment for a shoulder examination with our shoulder specialist singapore in Singapore, the best way is to call +65 6664 8135 or click here to book an appointment at the clinic. If you would like to speak to one of our clinicians first about e.g. resisted external rotation test, shoulder orthopaedic tests etc, then please contact feedback2@bone.com.sg or SMS/WhatsApp to +65 6664 8135

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