Shoulder Impingement: Sensitivity and Specificity

Introduction: aka Subacromial impingement

The sensitivity and specificity of findings for Shoulder Impingement are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.

Pre-Test Probability (Prevalence): %.	Post-Test Probability (Predictive Value): %.	Switch to display mode.
Note that calculating probabilities from more than one** finding is inherently inaccurate because findings are not independent. (For example, using two positive findings that share a common pathogenesis is likely to overestimate the true probability.)

Untagged
Finding	Result	Sensitivity	Specificity
[ + ] Hawkins Test	+ 0 -	79%	59%
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	+ 0 -	79%	53%
(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
[ + ] 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
[ + ] Supraspinatus Test		No accuracy specified.
aka empty-can test. Study: no study specified.
[ + ] 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