Introduction of a new physical examination procedure for the differentiation of acromioclavicular joint lesions and subacromial impingement.
OBJECTIVE
To present a new physical examination procedure that may assist in differentiating acromioclavicular joint lesions from subacromial impingement lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
The acromioclavicularjoint differential test is performed by applying downward pressure over the lateral one third of the clavicle while passively inducing slight' adduction, external rotation, and forced forward flexion to the humerus while the patient is in the seated position. Although similar mechanisms have been described, the acromioclavicular joint differential test is a new, previously unreported examination procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
This article describes a new test to differentiate between acromioclavicular joint lesions and subacromial impingement. On the basis of its mechanism, the acromioclavicular joint differential test may provide the examiner with an additional tool in the differential diagnosis of acromioclavicularjoint lesions and subacromial impingement in the patient with shoulder pain. Although this test has been used by the author in a clinical setting, validation data are not yet available.
New York Chiropractic College, Seneca Falls 13148-0800, USA.
D J
DJ
Buchberger
D000173:Acromioclavicular Joint / Q000293:injuries*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*