Test: Painful arc sign

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

The subject begins standing with their arms at their sides. The subject is asked to elevate the arm in the scapular plane up to 180 degrees. If the patient is able to achieve 180 degrees of flexion without pain the test is considered a Pass.
If the patient experiences pain or an inability to reach 180 degrees, the test is considered a fail. Pain in the range from 60 to 120 degrees is indicative of a subacromial pathology. If the pain continues to increase up to 180 degrees consider AC joint pathology. The subject may also notice a decrease in pain >120 degrees which is also considered a failed test. Make note of the angle that the pain starts and the angle the pain decreases.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Subject moves arm in the scapular plane up to 180 degrees.

Criteria

• 180 degrees in scapular plane
• Pain free motion
• Decrease in pain >120 degrees indicates subacromial pathology

Measurement

180.00 degrees

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail