Gerber’s Lift-Off Test is an orthopedic examination technique used to assess the integrity of the subscapularis muscle and tendon. It is the most widely used clinical test for identifying subscapularis tears and was first described by Swiss orthopedic surgeon Christian Gerber in 1991. The test requires the patient to actively lift the dorsum of their
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The following is a list of the many common tests used by physical therapists / physiotherapists and other orthopedic/orthopaedic practitioners when examining the elbow. The tests will eventually have links to descriptions of the tests as well as video demonstrations. Before learning about the examination of the elbow it is useful to review basic elbow anatomy and basic
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The following is a list of the many common tests used by physical therapists / physiotherapists and other orthopedic/orthopaedic practitioners when examining the ankle. The tests will eventually have links to descriptions of the tests as well as video demonstrations. Before learning about the examination of the ankle it is useful to review basic ankle
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Much has been made recently about how bad sitting is for you. It’s the new smoking, didn’t you know? Well, standing all day has its problems too. Chances are you’ll have to spend part of your day sitting anyway. When you do sit, a good chair set up properly can save you from much of
Sitting Doesn’t Have To Be So Bad – In Defense of the Office Chair Read More »
The Roos Test is primarily used to identify neurogenic TOS, where patients typically report arm pain, numbness, tingling, or heaviness with overhead or sustained arm positions. Involved Structures The thoracic outlet is bordered by the first rib inferiorly, the clavicle anteriorly, and the scalene muscles laterally. The key structures susceptible to compression include: How to
The Crank Test is commonly used in orthopedic examinations to test for integrity of the glenoid labrum; it tests for a labral tear. This test is quite similar in many ways to the McMurray Test for meniscal damage in the knee. Involved Structures Starting Position This test is usually performed with the patient in sitting
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Also known as Active compression test, O’Brien’s active compression test Structures tested Glenoid labrum (SLAP lesion); acromioclavicular (AC) joint Patient position Standing or seated, arm at 90° flexion, 10° adduction, full internal rotation Positive sign Pain or click in internal rotation that diminishes or disappears in external rotation Sensitivity (SLAP) ~47–67% (varies by study) Specificity
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The Drop Arm Test is a test for rotator cuff tears, specifically of the supraspinatus tendon. Involved Structures Starting Position This test can be performed with the patient in standing or sitting. The examiner supports the patient’s arm to be tested and abducts it to 90 degrees. Alternatively, the examiner may abduct the arm to
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The Allen Test (also called the Allen Maneuver) is a physical examination procedure used to assess for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). It tests for neurovascular compression by placing the arm in a position of mechanical stress and monitoring for pulse obliteration or symptom reproduction. Additional tests for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Roos Test | Adson’s Maneuver
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The Pivot Shift Test is commonly used in orthopedic examinations to test for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior capsule integrity. It is one of the most well-known and accurate tests when testing the stability of the knee. To better understand the mechanics of this test and why it is effective, you may want to
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