Drop arm test

Question 1

purpose

Answer 1

rotator cuff tear

Question 2

patient and therapist position

Answer 2

seated and standing in front of a pt

Question 3

procedure

Answer 3

arm passively abducted to 120 degrees

pt slowly brings arm down to side

Question 4

positive test

Answer 4

pt unable to lower arm slowly and in controlled manner down to side

Question 5

what is important with this test

Answer 5

only positive if the rotator cuff tear is large or a full thickness tear

less often positive with smaller tears