Shoulder Assessment

Question 1

I am inspecting for… (6)

Answer 1

• Deformities
• Asymmetry
• Swelling
• Redness
• Nodules
• Muscle atrophy

Question 2

Start your palpation at….

Answer 2

Sternoclavicular joint

Question 3

Order of palpation

Answer 3

1. SC joint
2. Clavicle
3. AC joint
4. Subacromial bursa (with arm extended back)
5. Scapula
6. Deltoid
7. Long head of the biceps brachii

Question 4

I am palpating for… (3)

Answer 4

• Tenderness
• Bogginess
• Bone enlargement

Question 5

Active ROMs of the shoulder (simple)

Answer 5

• Flexion
• Extension
• ABduction
• ADduction
• External Rotation
• Internal rotation

Question 6

Combined active ROMs

Answer 6

• External rotation + ABduction (hands behind neck)
• Internal rotation + ADduction (hands behind back)

Question 7

Passive ROMs of the shoulder (Simple)

Answer 7

• Flexion
• Extension
• ABduction
• ADduction
• External Rotation
• Internal Rotation

Also remember to verbalize what you’re looking for!

Question 8

Name all the standard muscle tests in the shoulder (6)

Answer 8

1. ABduction vs resistance = deltoid
2. Empty can = Supraspinatus
3. Ext rotation vs resistance (hornblower) = infraspinatus & teres minor
4. Lift-off test = Subscapularis
5. Pushup test against wall = Serratus anterior
6. Hand on hip vs resistance = rhomboid

Question 9

Name all the special tests for the shoulder (6)

Answer 9

1. Neer impingement = impingement syndrome
2. Hawkins-Kennedy = impingement syndrome
3. Crossover = AC Joint arthritis
4. Apprehension = Anterior instability
5. Jerk = Posterior instability
6. Sulcus = Inferior instability