Test: Codman's - Drop Arm Test

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Background/Purpose

Procedure

The subject's arm is passively abducted to 90 degrees or greater. The examiner abruptly releases the arm and instructs the patient to slowly lower it. If the patient experiences shoulder pain or hunches the shoulder it is considered a failed test. This represents some damage to the rotator cuff or more specifically a tear of the supraspinatus tendon. Confirmation tests can include lift-off test, painful arc and infraspinatus test.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Passively abduct shoulder to 90+ degrees and release arm.

Criteria

• Slow lowering of the arm
• No hunching/shrugging
• Pain free

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail