Shoulder Examination

Term:
2013
Published:
June 3, 2013
Revised:
June 20, 2014

The purpose of this unit is to have a web based, readily accessible learning tool for medical students and residents to learn and improve musculoskeletal exam of the shoulder.

Components of the unit include:

  • A video showing the complete shoulder exam
  • Lists of common causes of shoulder pain
  • A brief synopsis for each diagnosis of shoulder pain
  • A quick reference guide to specific exam maneuvers
  • Photos and drawings to assist with visualization of shoulder anatomy
  • Review of documentation of a shoulder exam
  • Links to further references

This unit is proposed for use during medical student teaching of the musculoskeletal exam and during the resident sports medicine and orthopedics rotations or during routine clinical visits for patients with musculoskeletal complaints.

View Shoulder Examination Module.

Learning Objectives

Knowledge:
  • To understand the basic elements of musculoskeletal examinations of the shoulder.
  • To understand differential diagnosis of common clinical presentations of shoulder problems.
  • To know how to differentiate between normal and abnormal assessment findings.

Skills:

  • To demonstrate familiarity with the tasks needed to perform a complete shoulder exam.
  • To be able to generate a differential diagnosis of problems based on shoulder exam and history.

Attitudes:

  • To express confidence in evaluating for musculoskeletal shoulder complaints.

About the Creators

Image of Dr. Master-Hunter

Tara A. Master-Hunter

Dr. Master-Hunter received her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1997. She received the Dean's Letter of Commendation in years 1993-95, and earned Clerkship honors in internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics. She completed her residency training (2000) and a sports medicine fellowship (2001) at the University of Michigan Department of Family Medicine. She sees patients at Chelsea Family Medicine.

Term:
2013
Published:
June 3, 2013
Revised:
June 20, 2014

Demos

Document Title Creator Downloads License

Adson's Test

Department of Family Medicine

Apley Scratch Test of External Rotation

Department of Family Medicine

Apley Scratch Test of External Rotation and Internal Rotation (Full)

Department of Family Medicine

Apley Scratch Test of Internal Rotation

Department of Family Medicine

Apprehension and Relocation Test

Department of Family Medicine

Biceps Load Test

Department of Family Medicine

Biceps Tension Test

Department of Family Medicine

Complete Musculoskeletal Exam of the Shoulder

Department of Family Medicine

Costoclavicular Maneuver

Department of Family Medicine

Crank Test

Department of Family Medicine

Cross Arm Test

Department of Family Medicine

Drop Arm Test

Department of Family Medicine

Empty Can Test

Department of Family Medicine

Hawkin's Test

Department of Family Medicine

Load and Shift Test

Department of Family Medicine

Neer's Test

Department of Family Medicine

O'Brien's Test

Department of Family Medicine

Push-Off Test

Department of Family Medicine

Resisted External Rotation Test

Department of Family Medicine

Roos' Test

Department of Family Medicine

Speed's Test

Department of Family Medicine

Spurling's Test

Department of Family Medicine

Sulcus Sign

Department of Family Medicine

Yergason's Test

Department of Family Medicine

Texts

Document Title Creator Downloads License

Anterior Shoulder Pain

Tara A. Master-Hunter

Documentation of Exam

Tara A. Master-Hunter

Evaluation of the Shoulder

Tara A. Master-Hunter

Instructions on Use

Tara A. Master-Hunter

Lateral Shoulder Pain

Tara A. Master-Hunter

Posterior Shoulder Pain

Tara A. Master-Hunter

References

Tara A. Master-Hunter

Shoulder Exam Maneuvers

Tara A. Master-Hunter