Test: Neer Sign

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

The subject sits or stands with their arms at their sides. The examiner stabilizes/blocks the subject's scapula and passively raises the arm into full flexion.
It was thought that this would force impingement at the acromion of the greater tuberosity which would damage the long head of the biceps and subacromial bursa.
The test is susceptible to error due to anatomical variations. Neer sign with internal rotation may involve the supraspinatus with internal rotation and infrapsinatus with external rotation. The suprapsinatus was most affected with internal rotation and abduction (J Sci Med Sport. 2012 Jan;15(1):2-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2011.07.001.)
Neer's sign is a part of Neer's test where upon a positive Neer sign the subject is injected with xylocaine and reassessed to determine if there is relief.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Examiner blocks the scapula and passively elevates the humerus.

Criteria

• Full ROM
• Pain free motion

Measurement

180.00 degrees

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail