Neer Impingement Sign
Jo Gibson, 2005
Dr Neer developed this test based on his observations during shoulder surgery. He reported that the critical area for degenerative tendonitis and tendon ruptures was focused on the supraspinatus tendon and at times involved the anterior infraspinatus and occasionally the long head of biceps. Elevation of the arm in external or internal rotation causes critical areas to pass under the coraco-acromialligament or anterior acromion.
Test
The examiner performs maximal passive abduction in the scapula plane, with internal rotation, whilst stabilising the scapula.
Positive
Pain located to the sub-acromial space or anterior edge of acromion
False positive
Internal impingement Macdonald et al (2000)
- Bankart 25%
- SLAP 46.1 %
Research
Valadie' s paper demonstrated soft tissue contact with the medial acromion and contact between the articular surface of the rotator cuff and anterior- superior glenoid rim.
Sensitivity = 88.7%
Specificity = 30.5%
Reliability = 98%
