Shoulder Orthopaedic Test: Rent Test
Jun 12, 2023The Rent test is a physical examination maneuver used to assess for the presence of full-thickness rotator cuff tears.
Here are the steps to perform the Rent test:
- Ask the patient to sit comfortably with their arm hanging at their side.
- With one hand, stabilize the patient's scapula (shoulder blade).
- With your other hand, grasp the patient's elbow and passively abduct their arm to 90 degrees.
- While maintaining this position, ask the patient to actively externally rotate their arm against your resistance.
- While maintaining resistance, ask the patient to lower their arm slowly to their side.
- Observe the patient's face for signs of pain or discomfort and ask if they experience any pain during the maneuver.
- Repeat the test on the other side.
- Document the result of the test in the patient's medical record.
A positive Rent test result is indicated by a sudden drop of the arm during lowering or the inability to maintain abduction. This finding may suggest a full-thickness rotator cuff tear.
The Rent test does not have a "normal" or "abnormal" result. Instead, the test is used to assess for the presence of full-thickness rotator cuff tears.
References:
- Gerber C, Schneeberger AG, Hoppeler H, Meyer DC. Correlation of atrophy and fatty infiltration on strength and integrity of rotator cuff repairs: a study in thirteen patients. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2007;16(6):691-696.
- Kim SH, Park JS, Jeong WK, et al. The impact of tear location on clinical outcomes of rotator cuff repair. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2013;21(9):2056-2061.
- Liem D, Alci S, Dedy N, et al. A prospective randomized study comparing electrothermal arthroscopic shoulder capsulorrhaphy with open thermal capsulorrhaphy. Arthroscopy. 2006;22(10):1055-1062.
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