Drop Arm Test

The diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear can be determined by starting with a physical examination including, range of motion testing, manual muscle testing, palpation, and special test. The Drop Arm Test is a special test performed by a trained health care practitioner to determine if the patient has a rotator cuff tear specifically in the supraspinatus muscle. Other special test can be used but the drop arm test is the distinguishing factor between a rotator cuff tear and a shoulder impingement. If the drop arm test is positive then imaging test such as a MRI or ultrasound would determine to severity of the tear. Given below are the steps on how to perform the drop arm test:
Drop Arm Test
• Patient Positioning: sitting or standing with arms resting