What does an inability to control the descent or a sudden drop during the drop arm test indicate?

What does an inability to control the descent or a sudden drop during the drop arm test indicate?

• A. Rotator cuff tear.
• B. Labral tear.
• C. Biceps tendinopathy.
• D. AC joint separation.

Answer: (A)

This test targets the supraspinatus portion of the rotator cuff. When the arm is abducted to about 90 degrees, the supraspinatus works with the deltoid to control the downward movement (eccentric lowering). If the supraspinatus tendon is torn, that control is lost, so the arm tends to drop suddenly or can’t be lowered smoothly. A positive result thus points to a rotator cuff tear, particularly involving the supraspinatus. Other shoulder issues can cause pain or different signs, but this specific pattern of an uncontrollable or abrupt descent is most characteristic of a rotator cuff tear.

This test targets the supraspinatus portion of the rotator cuff. When the arm is abducted to about 90 degrees, the supraspinatus works with the deltoid to control the downward movement (eccentric lowering). If the supraspinatus tendon is torn, that control is lost, so the arm tends to drop suddenly or can’t be lowered smoothly. A positive result thus points to a rotator cuff tear, particularly involving the supraspinatus. Other shoulder issues can cause pain or different signs, but this specific pattern of an uncontrollable or abrupt descent is most characteristic of a rotator cuff tear.