Orthopedic special tests are structured clinical assessments used to help rule in or rule out specific musculoskeletal conditions. They work best as part of a full clinical picture — combined with subjective history, observation, and other objective findings. Browse by body region below.
Want a printable quick reference? The PT Special Tests Cheat Sheet covers 33 tests across 6 regions — sensitivity, specificity, technique, and positive sign for each. Instant download.
Jump to a Region
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Hip
- Knee
- Ankle
- Lumbar Spine (coming soon)
- Cervical Spine (coming soon)
Shoulder
Shoulder special tests assess rotator cuff integrity, subacromial impingement, glenohumeral instability, labral pathology, and AC joint involvement. Key tests include the Empty Can, Hawkins-Kennedy, Neer’s, O’Brien’s, and Apprehension tests. Browse shoulder special tests →
Elbow
Elbow tests assess lateral and medial epicondylalgia, UCL integrity, and nerve entrapment. Common tests include Cozen’s, Mill’s, the medial epicondyle stress test, and Tinel’s at the cubital tunnel. Browse elbow special tests →
Hip
Hip tests screen for FAI, labral pathology, hip flexor and abductor dysfunction, and referred pain from the lumbar spine. Key tests include FADIR, FABER, Thomas Test, Trendelenburg, and Ober’s. Browse hip special tests →
Knee
Knee tests assess ligament integrity (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), meniscal pathology, and patellofemoral pain. Key tests include Lachman’s, Anterior Drawer, McMurray’s, Thessaly, and valgus/varus stress tests. Browse knee special tests →
Ankle
Ankle tests screen for ligament instability, fracture (Ottawa Ankle Rules), and Achilles integrity. Key tests include the Anterior Drawer, Talar Tilt, Thompson Test, and Squeeze Test. Browse ankle special tests →
Lumbar Spine
Lumbar special tests screen for disc and nerve root involvement, segmental instability, and stenosis. Key tests include the Straight Leg Raise, Slump Test, ASLR, Prone Instability Test, and Spring Test. Full page coming soon.
Cervical Spine
Cervical tests screen for radiculopathy, upper cervical instability, vascular compromise, and neural tension. Key tests include Spurling’s, the Distraction Test, VBI Screen, Upper Limb Tension Test, and Cervical Rotation Lateral Flexion Test. Full page coming soon.