The physical examination of the shoulder has been studied extensively, but the quality and statistical power of the published research often is lacking. The initial reports of new shoulder examination techniques commonly describe impressive performance. However recent meta-analyses have found that when the majority of these tests are used in isolation, they lack the ability to rule in or rule out the pathology in question, with few exceptions. The diagnostic accuracy of the physical examination improves when the shoulder tests are evaluated in combination, such as positive passive distraction and active compression identifying a superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion. The accuracy also can be improved when the shoulder tests are evaluated in conjunction with specific historical findings, such as age greater than 39 years, history of popping or clicking, and a positive painful arc (pain experienced between 60° and 120° of abduction) identifying rotator cuff tendinopathy. The literature on shoulder imaging demonstrates that rotator cuff tears can be ruled in or ruled out by both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. For SLAP lesions, magnetic resonance arthrography can be used to rule out a tear but may not be as accurate as combined physical examinations to rule in a tear.
