Shoulder Orthopaedic Test: Scapular Retraction Test

The Scapular Retraction Test is a physical examination maneuver used to assess patients with apparent weakness in the supraspinatus muscle, which may be due to scapular dyskinesis. This test is designed to evaluate the influence of scapular position and movement on rotator cuff muscle function.

Here are the steps to perform the Scapular Retraction Test:

1. Instruct the patient to stand with their arms by their sides.
2. Ask the patient to elevate their arms to 90 degrees in the scapular plane with the palms facing down.
3. Observe the patient's scapular position and movement during arm elevation.
4. Apply a manual resistance to the patient's downward arm movement while keeping their arms in the 90-degree position.
5. Ask the patient to retract their scapulae (pull their shoulder blades together) while maintaining the 90-degree arm position.
6. Repeat the manual resistance to the patient's arm movement with the scapulae retracted.

The test is considered positive if the patient's arm strength improves with scapular retraction. This suggests that scapular dyskinesis may be contributing to the apparent weakness in the supraspinatus muscle. The Scapular Retraction Test can be a useful clinical tool for identifying scapular dyskinesis as a possible cause of apparent weakness in the supraspinatus muscle.

References:

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4. Borstad JD, Ludewig PM. The diagnostic validity of the scapular assistance test in identifying individuals with subacromial impingement syndrome. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2005;35(9):Suppl:A24.
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