Orthopedic and Neurological Tests Overview

This test assesses the supraspinatus muscle for tears or tendinopathy. The patient abducts their arm to 90 degrees, thumbs pointing down, while the examiner applies downward pressure. Pain or weakness indicates a supraspinatus issue.

This test assesses the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles for weakness or tears. The examiner passively externally rotates the patient's arm, and the patient tries to maintain this position. Inability to hold the position indicates a potential tear or muscle weakness.

This test evaluates the subscapularis muscle's strength and function. The patient is instructed to internally rotate their arm against resistance applied by the examiner. Weakness or pain during this motion suggests potential subscapularis issues.

This test checks for patellofemoral dysfunction, often associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome (Runner's Knee). The examiner presses on the patella (knee cap) while the patient flexes and extends their knee. Pain or crepitus (grating sound) indicates potential issues.

This test assesses the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee. The examiner applies valgus stress (pushing the knee inward) while the knee is slightly flexed. Pain, instability, or excessive movement indicates a potential MCL injury.

This test assesses the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee. The examiner pulls the tibia (lower leg bone) forward while the knee is flexed. Excessive forward movement or a 'clunking' sound indicates a potential ACL tear.

This test assesses the medial and lateral menisci of the knee. The examiner flexes the knee and rotates it internally and externally while applying pressure. A 'clicking', 'popping', or pain indicates a potential meniscus tear.

This test evaluates the subscapularis muscle by assessing the ability to lift the hand off the back. A positive result indicates a potential subscapularis tear or weakness.

This test involves passively raising the patient's arm forward to detect if pain occurs, suggesting impingement of the supraspinatus tendon.

This test assesses shoulder impingement by internally rotating the flexed arm. Pain during internal rotation suggests supraspinatus impingement.

This test checks for pain at specific angles during active abduction of the arm, indicating potential rotator cuff or AC joint pathology.

This test involves slowly lowering the arm from 90 degrees abduction. An uncontrolled drop or inability to lower smoothly suggests a supraspinatus tear.

This test assesses shoulder instability by applying pressure to the shoulder while the arm is abducted and externally rotated. Patient apprehension or discomfort indicates anterior instability.

This test detects carpal tunnel syndrome by applying pressure over the carpal tunnel for 30 seconds. Numbness, tingling, or pain in the median nerve distribution is considered positive.

This test assesses the strength of the gluteus medius muscle, a key muscle for hip stability and gait. The patient stands on one leg, and the examiner observes for a drop in the opposite hip. A drop indicates weakness in the gluteus medius.

This test detects carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition affecting the median nerve in the wrist. The patient presses the backs of their hands together with wrists flexed at 90 degrees for 60 seconds. Numbness, tingling, or pain in the fingers indicates a positive result.

This test measures lumbar spine flexion, often used to assess for ankylosing spondylitis, a condition causing stiffness and pain in the spine. Mark points 10 cm above and 5 cm below the lumbosacral junction. The patient bends forward as far as possible. A decrease in distance indicates reduced lumbar flexion.

This test checks for true bony leg length discrepancy, meaning a difference in the actual bone length. Measure from ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine) to medial malleolus on each leg. Differences in measurement indicate a true bony length difference.

This test detects carpal tunnel syndrome by tapping on the median nerve at the wrist. A positive result is tingling, numbness, or an 'electric shock' sensation in the fingers.