Shoulder Orthopaedic Test: Arm Squeeze Test

The Arm Squeeze Test is a physical exam technique used to help differentiate between cervical nerve root compression and shoulder pathology. It is also known as Spurling's Test or the Cervical Compression Test. Here is a brief description of the test:

1. Have the patient sit upright with their arms at their sides.
2. Stand behind the patient and place both of your hands on their shoulders.
3. Squeeze the patient's shoulders together gently.
4. Ask the patient if they experience any pain or discomfort in their neck, shoulder, or arm.
5. If the patient experiences pain or discomfort in their neck, this may indicate cervical nerve root compression.
6. If the patient experiences pain or discomfort in their shoulder or arm, this may indicate shoulder pathology.

References:

1. Spurling, R. G., & Scoville, W. B. (1944). Lateral rupture of the cervical intervertebral joints: a common cause of shoulder and arm pain. Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics, 78, 350-358.
2. Waldrop, M. A., & Cooney, W. P. (1983). Cervical radiculopathy versus rotator cuff pathology: a diagnostic dilemma. The Journal of Hand Surgery, 8(4), 435-438.
3. Shah, K. N., & Rhee, P. C. (2013). Shoulder pathology in cervical spine disease. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 6(4), 342-349.
4. Sahin, F., Yilmaz, F., Kotevoglu, N., Kuran, B., & Akseki, D. (2003). The efficacy of diagnostic ultrasonography in differentiating cervical nerve root compression from nonspecific neck pain: a prospective study. Rheumatology International, 23(2), 89-93.