What test helps differentiate AC joint pathology from glenohumeral pathology?

What test helps differentiate AC joint pathology from glenohumeral pathology?

• A. Hawkins test
• B. Cross-body adduction test
• C. Neer's sign
• D. Speed test

Answer: (B)

Differentiating AC joint pathology from glenohumeral joint problems hinges on a test that directly stresses the acromioclavicular joint. The cross-body adduction (horizontal adduction) test does just that: you bring the patient’s arm across their chest and apply gentle pressure at the AC joint. Pain localized to the AC joint during this maneuver points to AC joint pathology. If the pain isn’t localized there and the patient’s symptoms align more with the ball-and-socket glenohumeral joint, then glenohumeral pathology is more likely. This test is especially helpful because other common shoulder tests—like Hawkins and Neer, which assess subacromial impingement around the rotator cuff, or the Speed test, which targets the biceps tendon and possible SLAP lesions—focus on the glenohumeral region or para-structures rather than the AC joint. Thus, the cross-body adduction test uniquely helps distinguish AC joint issues from GH problems.

Differentiating AC joint pathology from glenohumeral joint problems hinges on a test that directly stresses the acromioclavicular joint. The cross-body adduction (horizontal adduction) test does just that: you bring the patient’s arm across their chest and apply gentle pressure at the AC joint. Pain localized to the AC joint during this maneuver points to AC joint pathology. If the pain isn’t localized there and the patient’s symptoms align more with the ball-and-socket glenohumeral joint, then glenohumeral pathology is more likely.

This test is especially helpful because other common shoulder tests—like Hawkins and Neer, which assess subacromial impingement around the rotator cuff, or the Speed test, which targets the biceps tendon and possible SLAP lesions—focus on the glenohumeral region or para-structures rather than the AC joint. Thus, the cross-body adduction test uniquely helps distinguish AC joint issues from GH problems.