Drop arm test

The drop arm test is used to assess for rotator cuff tears, particularly of the supraspinatus.

Interpretation

• Drop arm test is negative if the patient is able to control the lowering of the arm slowly and without pain.
• Drop arm test is positive if there is pain while lowering the arm, sudden dropping of the arm or weakness in maintaining arm position during lowering (with or without pain), suggesting injury to the supraspinatus ¹.

Diagnostic accuracy

• Sensitivity: 73%;
• Specificity: 77%.

Technique

Stand behind the seated patient and abduct patient’s arm to 90 degree, supporting the arm at the elbow. Release the elbow support, and ask patient to slowly lower the arm to the side ².

References

1. M. Lynn Palmer, Marcia E. Epler, Marcia F. Epler. Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Assessment Techniques. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1998
2. Klaus Buckup. Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System: Examinations – Signs – Phenomena. 2nd ed. Germany: Thieme, 2008