Used to detect tears in the rotator cuff muscles, particularly the supraspinatus

Steps:

Option 1

Patient fully abducts the arm, then is instructed to slowly lower the arm

Test is considered to be positive if: patient’s arm with drop suddenly during the lowering of the arm (adduction back to the midline).

Option 2

Patient’s arm made be held out at 90 degrees of abduction and given a small tap downwards. 

Test is considered to be positive if: patient is unable to hold arm up against this minimal resistance