Shoulder Orthopaedic Test: Drop Arm Test

The drop arm test is a physical examination maneuver used to assess for full-thickness rotator cuff tears. It is performed by asking the patient to actively lift their arm to shoulder level, then slowly lower it back down to their side. If the patient is unable to smoothly lower their arm or experiences sudden pain during the maneuver, it suggests a rotator cuff tear. The test is designed to assess the integrity of the supraspinatus muscle, which is the most commonly torn muscle in rotator cuff injuries.

Procedure:

1. Ask the patient to actively abduct the affected arm to 90 degrees.
2. Instruct the patient to maintain this position and slowly lower the arm to the side in a controlled manner.
3. Observe the patient's ability to control the descent of the arm.
4. If the patient is unable to maintain control of the descent or experiences sudden pain or weakness, the test is considered positive for a full-thickness rotator cuff tear.

The normal result of the Drop Arm Test is the ability to actively lower the arm slowly to the side in a controlled manner without pain. 

References:

1. Jobe, F.W., Jobe, C.M.: Operative techniques in upper extremity sports injuries. Mosby, St. Louis, 1996.
2. Magee, D.J.: Orthopedic physical assessment, 6th ed. Elsevier, St. Louis, 2014.
3. Shanley, E., Rauh, M., Michener, L.: Diagnostic accuracy of tests for SLAP lesions: a systematic review. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013;43(8):565-583.
4. Kelly, B.T., Barnes, R.P., Powell, J.W., et al.: Shoulder function after rotator cuff repair: a study of abduction isometrics. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1995;4:149-155.