Shoulder
AC Joint
Evidence: confirmed
Cross-Body Adduction Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing AC Joint pathology.
How to Perform
- Position: Arm flexed 90°.
- Action: Adduct the arm horizontally across the chest.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Pain specifically at the AC joint.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 77%
- Specificity: 79%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Cross-Body Adduction Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Shoulder region, combining the Cross-Body Adduction Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
