A positive drop arm test is most consistent with which condition?

A positive drop arm test is most consistent with which condition?

• A. Rotator cuff tear
• B. Adhesive capsulitis
• C. Impingement syndrome
• D. Biceps tendinopathy

Answer: (A)

The drop arm test targets the rotator cuff, especially the supraspinatus. When the arm is lifted to 90 degrees of abduction, a healthy cuff can eccentrically control the descent. If the arm cannot be held in that position or suddenly drops as you lower it, that weakness points to a rotator cuff tear. This makes the finding most consistent with a rotator cuff tear (often a full-thickness tear). Adhesive capsulitis would limit motion in multiple directions, not specifically cause a drop in this maneuver; impingement causes pain with movement but not a failure to control lowering; biceps tendinopathy presents with anterior shoulder pain and biceps-focused provocative tests rather than a drop arm sign.

The drop arm test targets the rotator cuff, especially the supraspinatus. When the arm is lifted to 90 degrees of abduction, a healthy cuff can eccentrically control the descent. If the arm cannot be held in that position or suddenly drops as you lower it, that weakness points to a rotator cuff tear. This makes the finding most consistent with a rotator cuff tear (often a full-thickness tear). Adhesive capsulitis would limit motion in multiple directions, not specifically cause a drop in this maneuver; impingement causes pain with movement but not a failure to control lowering; biceps tendinopathy presents with anterior shoulder pain and biceps-focused provocative tests rather than a drop arm sign.