Shoulder Exam

Last week I did a presentation at the HOME project on the shoulder exam with a few clinical cases I saw in clinic. It was a smashing success -- everyone seemed to appreciate an introduction/review of some of the maneuvers!

One of the toughest parts of the physical exam is remembering all of the routine shoulder maneuvers.

Here's a few mnemonics I shared that I use to help myself remember things:

Arm Movements

• Flexion of the arm = Forward to the Face
• Internal Rotation of the arm = In handcuffs
• (alternatively, External Rotation = Execution of Ex-Convict)
• ADduction of the arm = ADDing to the midline
• Scarf sign = toss a scarf around opposite shoulder

Forearm Movements

• Supination = Holding a Bowl of "Soup"
• Pronation = Putting away Palm

Special Maneuvers

• Range of Motion (and Impingement Signs)
• Neer = arm "Near" to the ear
• Hawkins = flap like a "Hawk"
• Apley scratch test = Applying Suntan lotion to back
• Rotator Cuff Tears
• Supraspinatus
• Jobe's Empty Can (duh!)
• Hornblower's (ditto!)
• Biceps
• Speed's = speedin' down the highway
• Labral Tear
• O'Brian = *Irish accent*
  What, so O'Brien gets the thumbs down, but Leno gets a thumbs awp?  I'm cryin' heah!!
• Subscapularis
• Gerber's lift off = wiping baby food off the back (okay, its a stretch, but you can't win 'em all!)

 

That's not my second opinion! :)