Latissimus Dorsi Length Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Assessing tightness of the Latissimus Dorsi.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient supine, knees bent (to flatten lumbar spine).
- Action: Patient raises both arms overhead into full flexion.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Arms cannot rest flat on the table overhead without the lumbar spine arching (compensatory extension).
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Latissimus Dorsi Length 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 Latissimus Dorsi Length Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
