External Rotation Stress Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 4
Shoulder External Rotation Stress Test

What is the "External Rotation Stress Test" used for?

  • External rotators of the shoulder, specifically the infraspinatus and the teres minor

How to perform the "External Rotation Stress Test"?

  • With the patient’s arms by his or her side in neutral flexion and abduction, the shoulders are externally rotated 45 to 60 degrees.
  • The examiner applies force against the dorsum of the hands, attempting to rotate the shoulders internally back to neutral while the patient is asked to resist.

What is the positive result?

  • Pain and weakness suggest inflammation or tearing of the infraspinatus or the teres minor or both.

Test Accuracy

  • Sensitivity: 58 %
  • Specificity: 96 %

References

  • Campbel’s Operative Orthopaedics Book