Test: Internal Rotation Lag Sign

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Background/Purpose

The internal rotation lag sign was designed to test the integrity of the subscapularis tendon.

Procedure

The internal rotation lag sign is performed with the patient seated with the hand of the painful shoulder placed at the lumbar region (hand behind
back). The hand is passively lifted from the lumbar spine
until almost full internal rotation was reached. The patient is
then asked to maintain the position actively. If a lag was
present, this would suggest a full-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Place hand on lumbar region and lift away from spine.

Criteria

• Lift arm away from spine

Measurement

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail