Neer Test - Shoulder Orthopedic Examination

The Neer Test is commonly used in orthopedic examinations to test for subacromial impingement. The test is very simple to conduct and is quite reliable.

Involved Structures

supraspinatus tendon
infraspinatus tendon
long head of biceps tendon

Starting Position

The test is best performed with the patient in a relaxed standing position. The arm to be tested should be moved passively by the examiner. The patients arm of the shoulder to be tested is positioned such that the arm is relaxed at the side of the body and the elbow is fully extended.

Test Movement

From the starting position the examiner internally rotates the patients arm and forcefully moves the arm through the full range of forward flexion or until reports of pain.

Positive Test

The Neer test is considered positive if pain is reported in the anterior - lateral aspect of the shoulder.

Accuracy of Test

The Neer Test for shoulder impingement is commonly believed to be more accurate test for shoulder impingement than the Hawkins Test though some studies have found the reverse to be true.