Shoulder Impingement: Likelihood Ratios

Introduction: aka Subacromial impingement

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Tags: Musculoskeletal Tag this Diagnosis.

The likelihood ratios of findings for Shoulder Impingement are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.

Good Negative Likelihood Ratio

Hawkins Test

1.9

0.4

With examiner's hand on scapula to prevent elevation, hold arm parallel to ground with elbow flexed at 90 degrees and internally rotate (i.e. push forearm down).

NOTE: odds ratio CI crosses 1!

Study: Br J Sports Med. 2008 Feb;42(2):80-92. PMID: 17720798

Neer test

1.7

0.4

(forward) extension of shoulder with radius down (fully pronated) and examiner's hand placed on shoulder to prevent scapula elevation

NOTE: odds ratio CI crosses 1!

Study: Br J Sports Med. 2008 Feb;42(2):80-92. PMID: 17720798

Poorly Diagnostic Findings

Yocum Test

Sensitivity = 78%

specificity not measured

Place hand on other shoulder, raise elbow without raising shoulder.

Study: Joint Bone Spine. 2008 Dec 5. PMID: 19059801

Findings With Unspecified Accuracy

Supraspinatus Test

No accuracy specified.

aka empty-can test.

Study: no study specified.

Painful Arc Test

No accuracy specified.

the two studies that were done completely disagreed (sens/spec = 30/80 in one and 97/10 in the other)

painful arc during lateral arm elevation

Study: Joint Bone Spine. 2008 Dec 5. PMID: 19059801