Pectoralis Minor Length Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Assessing tightness of the Pectoralis Minor (causes anterior scapular tilt).
How to Perform
- Position: Patient lies supine with arms at sides.
- Observation: Examiner observes the position of the acromion process relative to the table.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: The posterior shoulder does not rest on the table (excessive anterior tilt). Distance from table to acromion > 2.6cm.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Pectoralis Minor 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 Pectoralis Minor Length Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
