Upper Extremity Special Tests

AC Joint Sprain

Injury to the acromioclavicular joint caused by spraining its ligaments.

Compression Test

A test involving pushing the collarbone and scapula to assess joint integrity.

Piano Key Sign

A test indicating instability of the acromioclavicular joint or SC joint; resembles a piano key when depressed.

SC Joint

The sternoclavicular joint, connecting the sternum and clavicle.

Rotator Cuff

A group of muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder and enabling its movement.

Drop Arm Test

A test used to assess the integrity of the rotator cuff by having the patient slowly lower their arm.

Empty Can Test

A test for rotator cuff injury where the arm is elevated with the thumb up, then turned down, creating resistance.

Painful Arc

A condition where pain occurs between 60-120 degrees of shoulder elevation, but not at 0-60 or above 120 degrees.

Shoulder Instability

A condition that puts individuals at risk for strains and labral tears due to reduced support around the shoulder.

Anterior Apprehension Test

A test where the patient lies on their back and the shoulder is turned internally to assess for signs of instability.

Posterior Apprehension Test

A test to evaluate posterior shoulder instability.

Sulcus Sign Test

A test assessing instability by pulling down on the humerus to check for a gap above the humeral head.

Multi-Directional Instability

A condition indicated by the sulcus sign test, suggesting instability in multiple directions.

Jobe's Relocation and Surprise Test

A test used to evaluate shoulder instability by applying posterior pressure and then suddenly releasing it.

Tricep and Bicep Tendonitis

Inflammation of the triceps and biceps tendons often associated with overuse.

UCL and RCL

Ulner collateral ligament and radial collateral ligament, which stabilize the elbow joint.

Valgus and Varus Force

Forces applied to a joint; valgus pushes outward while varus pushes inward.

Lateral Epicondylitis

A condition also known as tennis elbow, affecting the wrist or finger extensors.

Medial Epicondylitis

A condition also known as golfer's elbow, affecting the wrist or finger flexors.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

A painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.

Finkelstein Test

A test for De Quervain’s by having the patient grasp their thumb and ulnar deviate the wrist.

Scaphoid Fracture

A common wrist fracture occurring in the scaphoid bone; often assessed by applying pressure to the snuff box.

Game Keeper’s Thumb

Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb typically caused by a valgus force.