Internal Rotation Lag Sign Research Articles

Recovery of muscular tissue and functional results of patients treated with a gluteus maximus flap transfer due to chronic abductor deficiency after total hip arthroplasty.

To evaluate the function of the abductor mechanism after a gluteus maximus flap transfer due to a degeneration of the muscles after hip arthroplasty, we analyzed the post-operative functional outcome as well as radiographic effects in muscle tissue. This present study included six consecutive patients operatively treated with a gluteus maximus flap due to chronic gluteal deficiency after total hip arthroplasty. All patients presented a preoperative severe limp, hip abductor deficiency and a history of conservative treatment without the relief of symptoms. MRI scans were performed pre- and postoperatively to evaluate the muscle volume and grade of degeneration of the abductor mechanism. For clinical evaluation, the Harris hip score (HHS) was applied pre- and postoperatively. Moreover, the intensity of pain, the Trendelenburg sign, the internal rotation lag sign and the abductor muscle force were measured before and after surgery. Overall, the evaluation of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed no significant changes in total muscle volume during the follow-up period. Separate measurements presented a significant growth of muscle volume for the gluteus minimus and tensor fascia lata compared to preoperative imaging during the follow-up period. The amount of fat volume decreased for all the measured muscles with statistical significance for the gluteus minimus, the gluteus medius and the tensor fascia lata. No further muscle degeneration and no flap necrosis were measured. The postoperative HHS results were not statistically significant compared to the preoperative results. Besides fair clinical results, the radiological measurements indicate that the flap transfer enables functional muscular tissue recovery and prevents further degeneration. Given these conditions, the gluteus maximus muscle flap transfer represents a viable treatment option for patients with chronic gluteal deficiency in selected patients.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Tests for Subscapularis Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background:Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the diagnostic accuracy of shoulder clinical tests do not reach conclusions regarding subscapularis tears.Purpose:To compare the diagnostic accuracy of commonly used clinical tests for subscapularis tears.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:An electronic literature search was conducted using Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library/Central. Eligibility criteria were original clinical studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests to diagnose the presence of rotator cuff tears involving the subscapularis.Results:The electronic literature search returned 2212 records, of which 13 articles were eligible. Among 8 tests included in the systematic review, the lift-off test was most frequently reported (12 studies). Four tests were eligible for meta-analysis: bear-hug test, belly-press test, internal rotation lag sign (IRLS), and lift-off test. The highest pooled sensitivity was 0.55 (95% CI, 0.28-0.79) for the bear-hug test, while the lowest pooled sensitivity was 0.32 (95% CI, 0.13-0.61), for the IRLS. In all tests, pooled specificity was >0.90.Conclusion:Among the 4 clinical tests eligible for meta-analysis (bear-hug test, belly-press test, IRLS, and lift-off test), all had pooled specificity >0.90 but pooled sensitivity <0.60. No single clinical test is sufficiently reliable to diagnose subscapularis tears.Registration:PROSPERO (CRD42019137019).

Evidence-Based Physical Examination for the Diagnosis of Subscapularis Tears: A Systematic Review.

There is a renewed interest in diagnosing and treating subscapularis tears, but there is a paucity of clinical guidance to optimize diagnostic decision-making. To perform a literature review to evaluate advanced maneuvers and special tests in the diagnosis of subscapularis tears and create a diagnostic algorithm for subscapularis pathology. PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid, and Cochrane Reviews databases. Inclusion criteria consisted of level 1 and 2 studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals that focused on physical examination. Systematic review. Level 2. Individual test characteristics (bear hug, belly press, lift-off, Napoleon, and internal rotation lag sign) were combined in series and in parallel to maximize clinical sensitivity and specificity for any special test evaluated in at least 2 studies. A secondary analysis utilized subjective pretest probabilities to create a clinical decision tree algorithm and provide posttest probabilities. A total of 3174 studies were identified, and 5 studies met inclusion criteria. The special test combination of the bear hug and belly press demonstrated the highest positive likelihood ratio (18.29). Overall, 3 special test combinations in series demonstrated a significant impact on posttest probabilities. With parallel testing, the combination of bear hug and belly press had the highest sensitivity (84%) and lowest calculated negative likelihood ratio (0.21). The combined application of the bear hug and belly press physical examination maneuvers is an optimal combination for evaluating subscapularis pathology. Positive findings using this test combination in series with a likely pretest probability yield a 96% posttest probability; whereas, negative findings tested in parallel with an unlikely pretest probability yield a 12% posttest probability.

Improving the detection of subscapularis tears using a specific transverse CT arthrography image

BackgroundThe prevalence of subscapularis (SSC) tendon tears is often underestimated. This negatively impacts the shoulder function because the SSC muscle is a powerful internal rotator. The primary aim of this study was to compare a blended clinical and radiological preoperative index of suspicion for SSC tears to the arthroscopic findings. The secondary aim was to compare the surgeon's and radiologist's index of suspicion to determine which is more accurate. HypothesisAnalyzing a transverse image passing under the tip of the coracoid process, in combination with clinical examination, will be the standard for detecting SSC tears. MethodsThis prospective study enrolled 50 consecutive patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy. Preoperatively, four clinical tests were doneto detect SSC tears: lift-off, internal rotation lag sign, bear-hug, belly-press. A CT arthrography slice passing under the coracoid process tip was analyzed by the surgeon. The surgeon deduced a radiological index of suspicion for SSC tears then a blended clinical and radiological index of suspicion based on the clinical examination. Lastly, the surgeon looked at the radiologist's findings and index of suspicion for a lesion. The three indexes of suspicion were compared with the actual arthroscopy findings. ResultsThe surgeon's blended clinical and radiological index of suspicion was similar to his radiological index. Both of the surgeon's indexes of suspicion were higher than the radiologist's. The prevalence of SSC tears was 58 %. DiscussionWe recommend doing multiple clinical tests as they complement each other in detecting SSC tears, since each one activates a different portion of the muscle. We advise surgeons to supplement their clinical examination by analyzing a specific image of the tendon below the coracoid, as the reference view for the starting point of SSC tears. Level of evidenceIV, prospective diagnostic study on consecutive patients.

Functional Assessment and Patient-Related Outcomes after Gluteus Maximus Flap Transfer in Patients with Severe Hip Abductor Deficiency.

(1) Background: Degeneration of the hip abductor mechanism, a well-known cause of functional limitation, is difficult to treat and is associated with a reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The gluteus maximus muscle flap is a treatment option to support a severely degenerative modified gluteus medius muscle. Although several reports exist on the clinical outcome, there remains a gap in the literature regarding HRQOL in conjunction with functional results. (2) Methods: The present study consists of 18 patients with a mean age of 64 (53‒79) years, operatively treated with a gluteus maximus flap due to chronic gluteal deficiency. Fifteen (83%) of these patients presented a history of total hip arthroplasty or revision arthroplasty. Pre and postoperative pain, Trendelenburg sign, internal rotation lag sign, trochanteric pain syndrome, the Harris Hip Score (HHS), and abduction strength after Janda (0‒5) were evaluated. Postoperative patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life, according to the Short Form 36 (SF-36), were used as patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs). Postoperative MRI scans were performed in 13 cases (72%). (3) Results: Local pain decreased from NRS 6.1 (0–10) to 4.9 (0–8) and 44% presented with a negative Trendelenburg sign postoperatively. The overall HHS results (p = 0.42) and muscular abduction strength (p = 0.32) increased without significance. The postoperative HRQOL reached 46.8 points (31.3–62.6) for the mental component score and 37.1 points (26.9–54.7) for the physical component score. The physical component results presented a high level of positive correlation with HHS scores postoperatively (R = 0.88, p < 0.001). Moreover, 72% reported that they would undergo the operative treatment again. The MRI overall showed no significant further loss of muscle volume and no further degeneration of muscular tissue. (4) Conclusions: Along with fair functional results, the patients treated with a gluteus maximus flap transfer presented satisfying long-term PROMs. Given this condition, the gluteus maximus muscle flap transfer is a viable option for selected patients with chronic gluteal deficiency.

The Diagnostic Value of Subscapularis Clinical Tests in the Postoperative Diagnosis of Subscapularis Retears: An Ultrasound-Comparative Trial

Background: Different physical examination tests have been used to preoperatively determine both the presence and size of a primary subscapularis tear. On the contrary, no clinical trial has yet been published to assess the diagnostic validity of the aforementioned tests in diagnosing subscapularis retears after arthroscopic subscapularis repair. Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of the most commonly used clinical tests in the diagnosis of subscapularis tendon retears after arthroscopic repair. Methods: A retrospective (prospectively collected data) case series involving 37 patients who were suffering from symptomatic complete subscapularis tendon tear was conducted. All patients underwent an all-arthroscopic subscapularis repair with the same operative technique. They were postoperatively evaluated (final end point of follow-up: 12 months) with the use of ultrasound, Constant-Murlay score (CS), bear hug test, internal rotation lag sign, Napoleon test and lift-off test. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative prognostic values were calculated for each test. Results: Shoulder function was significantly improved according to the final CS. The internal rotation lag sign was the most sensitive for the diagnosis of postoperative subscapularis retears, while the Napoleon sign had the highest specificity. Although postoperative clinical tests yielded no false negative findings, they were poorly predictive as for new ruptures. Ten patients (27%), who were found with a positive (for re-rupture), postoperative, clinical test, had a sonographically intact subscapularis tendon repair. Conclusion: We strongly support the use of subscapularis-specific clinical tests as a composite, in combination with a specific interpretation of their results. If all tests are found negative for retear, then we could assume that the arthroscopic repair remains intact and no further diagnostic examination might be necessary. On the contrary, if at least one subscapularis-specific clinical test is positive for retear, then the patient will likely require additional imaging control for definite diagnosis.

Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Subscapular Suture Integrity in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.

ObjectiveThe aim was to establish a correlation between the integrity of a suture made in the subscapular tendon (SST), as assessed by an ultrasound examination, and its functionality, as assessed by clinical tests during the postoperative period following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). A secondary goal is to evaluate the presence and viability of the sutured SST.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of 18 RSA patients in whom the SST was repositioned to the anterior face of the humeral osteotomy. The median time of the postoperative evaluation was 31 months. The clinical evaluation consisted of the Gerber lift-off test, the internal rotation (IR) lag sign test, and the abdominal compression test, as well as forward flexion (FF), external rotation (ER), and IR. All patients underwent shoulder ultrasounds to evaluate the SST presence and viability.ResultsThe SST was visualized in 13 patients (72.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 51.5–92.9). Of these 13 patients, the SST presented an altered fibrillar pattern in 5 patients (38.4%; 95% CI, 12.0–64.9) and was considered nonviable. There were no associations between SST viability and a positive Gerber’s lift-off test (P = .480), a positive IR lag sign test (P = .480), or a positive abdominal compression test (P = .618). There were no significant differences in FF (P = .104), ER (P = .196), or IR (P = .374) mobility between patients with viable SSTs and those without viable SSTs.ConclusionIt was not possible to demonstrate a correlation between the integrity of the SST repair based on the ultrasound and its functionality as assessed by clinical tests in the postoperative period following an RSA. The SST repair has a high failure rate, as demonstrated by the high incidence of nonviable or absent tendons.

Clinical tests for subscapularis integrity: A “hole” in one?

Thorough physical examination is especially important in the diagnosis of subscapularis tears; given that many tears are missed on MRI evaluation. The belly-press test may be the best test in cases where internal rotation is limited, while the belly-off sign is very sensitive for partial subscapularis tears as long as the external rotators are intact. The internal rotation lag sign, followed by the lift-off test, is the most sensitive test for predicting complete deficiency of the subscapularis when range of motion is not limited.

Clinical Assessment of Physical Examination Maneuvers for Rotator Cuff Lesions

Background: Shoulder pain and disability pose a diagnostic challenge for clinicians owing to the numerous causes that exist. Unfortunately, the evidence in support of most clinical tests is weak or absent. Purpose: To determine the diagnostic validity of physical examination maneuvers for rotator cuff lesions. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Consecutive shoulder patients recruited for this study were referred to 2 tertiary orthopaedic clinics. A surgeon took a thorough history and indicated his or her certainty about each possible diagnosis. A clinician performed the physical examination for diagnoses where uncertainty remained. Arthroscopy was considered the reference standard for patients who underwent surgery, and MRI with arthrogram was considered the reference for patients who did not. The sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were calculated to investigate whether combinations of the top tests provided stronger predictions of the presence or absence of disease. Results: There were 139 participants. None of the tests were highly sensitive for diagnosing rotator cuff tears or tendinosis. Tests for subscapularis tears were all highly specific. No optimal combination of tests improved the ability to correctly diagnose rotator cuff tears. Closer analysis revealed the internal rotation and lateral rotation lag sign did not improve the ability to diagnose subscapularis or supraspinatus tears, respectively, although the lateral rotation lag sign demonstrated a discriminatory ability for tear size. Conclusion: No test in isolation is sufficient to diagnose a patient with rotator cuff damage. A combination of tests improves the ability to diagnose damage to the rotator cuff. It is recommended that the internal rotation and lateral rotation lag signs be removed from the gamut of physical examination tests for supraspinatus and subscapularis tears.

Diagnostic value of four clinical tests for the evaluation of subscapularis integrity

The lift-off, internal rotation lag sign, belly-press, and bear-hug tests are widely used toevaluate the integrity of the subscapularis. We hypothesized that these tests might reflect different types of subscapularis tears and sought to ascertain whether these tests accurately determine the severity of the internal rotation strength deficit and fatty degeneration. Isokinetic testing and the 4 clinical tests were used preoperatively to evaluate 312 patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. Of these, 37 patients had a full-thickness subscapularis tear, 96had a partial-thickness tear, and 179 had no tear. For differentiating any tears from an intact subscapularis, the most sensitive test was the belly-press test (27.8%), and the most specific test was the lift-off test (100%). For differentiating a full-thickness tear from a partial tear, the most sensitive test was the belly-press test (56.8%), and the most specific was the lift-off test (96.9%). A positive lift-off test also most reflected loss of internal rotation strength (mean, 72.2%; 95% confidence interval, 61.9-82.5), followed by the internal rotation lag sign (55.1%; 44.2-66.1) and the belly-press test (45.9%; 36.4-54.4). A positive lift-off test was highly specific for the detection of a full-thickness subscapularis tear and to reflect severe fatty degeneration. The lift-off, internal rotation lag sign, belly-press, and bear-hug tests sequentially predict internal rotation strength deficit and provide discrimination of internal rotation strength impairment.

Diagnosis of subscapularis tendon tears: Are available diagnostic tests pertinent for a positive diagnosis?

Clinically, subscapularis tendon tears are suggested by the presence of increased passive external rotation compared to the opposite side, resisted internal rotation manoeuvres (Lift-Off test [LOT], Belly-Press test [BPT], Napoleon test and Bear-Hug test [BHT] and positive Internal Rotation Lag Sign and/or Belly-Off Signs). Associated bicipital involvement is frequent with subscapularis tendon tears, because it participates in the formation of the biceps pulley. The Palm-Up test (PUT) is used for the biceps, and the Jobe test for the supraspinatus. In this multicenter study, we evaluated the positive diagnostic value of the clinical tests, LOT, BPT, BHT, PUT, and the Jobe test for subscapularis tears as well as their anatomical value. The relationships of the different parameters studied were compared statistically by analysis of variance (ANOVA). This prospective multicenter study was performed from January 2009 to February 2010 and included 208 cases of subscapularis tendon tears, isolated or associated with partial (Ellman 1, 2 or 3) or full thickness (SFA stage 1) supraspinatus tears. The severity of the subscapularis tear was quantified according to the SFA classification into four stages and according to the level of injury (the lower 1/3 and upper 2/3). The three tests LOT, BPT and BHT were correlated to the severity of observed tears (P<0.05). The more deficient the test results were, the more severe the anatomical damage. The LOT is the test that cannot be performed most often (18%) but when it is positive, it is predictive of very severe tears. The BHT is the most sensitive of all tests (82%). The frequency of biceps involvement was correlated to the severity of subscapularis damage. There was no significant correlation between biceps involvement and subscapularis tests, or between supraspinatus involvement and subscapularis tests. There was no correlation between the Palm-Up test and subscapularis tears with associated supraspinatus involvement however, it was significantly correlated to biceps involvement (P<0.05). The Jobe test was disappointing because it was often positive even for isolated subscapularis tears. Even though all three tests were performed (LOT, BPT, BHT), 24% of the subscapularis tears were only diagnosed during surgery. The role of the Internal Rotation Lag Sign and Belly-Off Sign in improving the diagnosis of tears was not studied in this work.

The validity of 9 physical tests for full-thickness rotator cuff tears after primary anterior shoulder dislocation in ED patients

PurposeThis study was undertaken to validate the diagnostic values of 9 different physical tests in emergency department patients with primary anterior shoulder dislocation (PASD) to select the best screening test for full-thickness rotator cuff tear (FTRCT) after PASD. MethodsA prospective analysis of 49 consecutive patients with x-ray-confirmed PASD was performed. All patients were followed at an average of 6.9 days (ranged from 4 to 10 days) in the emergency department. On the day of follow-up, 9 physical tests (namely, Jobe test, external rotation lag sign test, infraspinatus muscle strength test, dropping test, drop test, liftoff test, internal rotation lag sign test, belly-press test, and belly-off test) followed by shoulder ultrasound scan were performed to detect FTRCT. ResultsThe prevalence of FTRCT after PASD is 37% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24%-52%). Fourteen percent of the patients with PASD were complicated with isolated supraspinatus tendon tear, whereas 22% were complicated with supraspinatus tendon tear combined with subscapularis and/or infraspinatus tendon tear. Jobe test has the highest sensitivity among the 9 physical tests being evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, likelihood ratio for positive test, and likelihood ratio for negative test of Jobe test as a screening test for FTRCT after PASD are 89% (95% CI, 64%-98%), 55% (95% CI, 36%-72%), 53% (95% CI, 35%-71%), 89% (95% CI, 65%-98%), 1.97 (95% CI, 1.29-2.99), and 0.20 (95% CI, 0.05-0.79), respectively. ConclusionsThe prevalence of FTRCT after PASD is 37% (95% CI, 24%-52%). Jobe test has the highest sensitivity (89% CI, 64%-98%) among the tests.

Is the internal rotation lag sign a sensitive test for detecting hip abductor tendon ruptures after total hip arthroplasty?

IntroductionTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most frequently performed procedures in orthopaedics and weakness of external rotators is often recognized thereafter. However, the etiology of lateral hip pain is multifaceted. For the diagnosis of abductor tendon rupture, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard. As not every patient can be subjected to MRI, a clinical diagnostic test for easy detection of lesions of the abductor tendon is missing. Here, we present the internal rotation lack sign indicating abductor tendon pathology.MethodsThe patient is placed in lateral position on a stretcher with hips and knees in neutral position. The knee is flexed to 45° and the hip passively abducted and elevated by the investigator. With the foot passively abducted, the patient is then asked to bring his knee in direction to the examination table. This motion is also tested passively. The test is regarded positive, if no internal rotation is possible and/or if this is painful. If groin pain is elicited during either of the exercises, the test is also rated positive.ResultsWe evaluated this test in 20 patients clinically and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All patients demonstrated a positive internal rotation lag sign. Twelve of them lag of internal rotation and evidence of anterior abductor tendon rupture on MRI, 8 with lag of internal rotation and no evidence of abductor tendon rupture.ConclusionThe new clinical diagnostic sign presented here may improve the diagnosis of abductor tendon rupture in the future.Level of Evidence: Diagnostic study, level I.

Diagnostic values of clinical tests for subscapularis lesions

Subscapularis (SSC) lesions are often underdiagnosed in the clinical routine. This study establishes and compares the diagnostic values of various clinical signs and diagnostic tests for lesions of the SSC tendon. Fifty consecutive patients who were scheduled for an arthroscopic subacromial or rotator cuff procedure were clinically evaluated using the lift-off test (LOT), the internal rotation lag sign (IRLS), the modified belly-press test (BPT) and the belly-off sign (BOS) preoperatively. A modified classification system according to Fox et al. (Type I-IV) was used to classify the SSC lesion during diagnostic arthroscopy. SSC tendon tears occurred with a prevalence of 30% (15 of 50). Five type I, six type II, three type IIIa and one type IIIb tears according to the modified classification system were found. Fifteen percent of the SSC tears were not predicted preoperatively by using all of the tests. In six cases (12%), the LOT and the IRLS could not be performed due to a painful restricted range of motion. The modified BPT and the BOS showed the greatest sensitivity (88 and 87%) followed by the IRLS (71%) and the LOT (40%). The BOS had the greatest specificity (91%) followed by the LOT (79%), mod. BPT (68%) and IRLS (45%). The BOS had the highest overall accuracy (90%). With the BOS and the modified BPT in particular, upper SSC lesions (type I and II) could be diagnosed preoperatively. A detailed physical exam using the currently available SSC tests allows diagnosing SSC lesions in the majority of cases preoperatively. However, some tears could not be predicted by preoperative assessment using all the tests.

The Validity of the Lag Signs in Diagnosing Full-Thickness Tears of the Rotator Cuff: A Preliminary Investigation

Miller CA, Forrester GA, Lewis JS. The validity of the lag signs in diagnosing full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff: a preliminary investigation. Objective To investigate whether the lag signs were valid tools in diagnosing full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff. Design A same-subject, correlation, double-blinded design was used. The results of the external rotation lag sign, drop sign, and internal rotation lag sign were compared with the criterion standard of diagnostic ultrasound to establish their accuracy. Setting A regional orthopedic hospital. Participants Consecutive subjects (N=37), 21 women and 16 men, with shoulder pain referred to a consultant orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder conditions were recruited for this investigation. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of the lag signs when using ultrasound as the reference test. Results The specificities of the drop sign and internal rotation lag sign were 77% and 84%, respectively, which, together with low positive likelihood ratios 3.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5–6.7) and 6.2 (95% CI, 1.9–12.0), indicate that a positive result was poor at recognizing the presence of full-thickness tears. The drop sign had a sensitivity of 73% with a negative likelihood ratio of .34 (95% CI, 0.2–0.8), suggesting that a negative test was fair at ruling out the presence of full-thickness tears. The sensitivity of the internal rotation lag sign (100%) supported by the negative likelihood ratio of 0 (95% CI, 0.0–2.5) suggests that a negative test will effectively rule out the presence of full-thickness tears of the subscapularis. A positive external rotation lag sign is the clinical test most likely to indicate that full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus are present (specificity, 94%). However, the external rotation lag sign did demonstrate a low sensitivity score of 46% and negative likelihood ratio of .57 (95% CI, 0.4–0.9), which means that a negative test will not rule out the presence of full-thickness tears. Conclusions The findings of this investigation suggest that a clinical diagnosis of a full-thickness tear of the rotator cuff cannot be conclusively reached using one or more of the lag signs.

The Belly-Off Sign: A New Clinical Diagnostic Sign for Subscapularis Lesions

We describe a new clinical sign for subscapularis lesions that we call the belly-off sign and compare its diagnostic value with standard subscapularis tests (the lift-off test, internal rotation lag sign, and belly-press test/Napoleon sign) in cases of different types of subscapularis lesions. The belly-off sign represents the inability of the patient to maintain the palm of the hand attached to the abdomen with the arm passively brought into flexion and internal rotation. Case series. This descriptive and explorative study included 60 patients (mean age, 55.3 years) with clinical, surgical, and/or magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed evidence of isolated or combined lesions of the subscapularis musculotendinous unit. In all patients, a complete physical shoulder examination was performed and the results were compared with the intraoperative and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The belly-off sign appeared to be more reliable than any other diagnostic test or sign in detecting isolated partial tears of the subscapularis tendon (group I), combined partial subscapularis and complete supraspinatus tendon tears (group II), and postoperative subscapularis insufficiency with mild atrophy of the upper aspect of the subscapularis muscle (group VII). In cases of complete/near complete subscapularis tears with or without supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon tears (groups IV, V, and VI), the belly-off sign appeared to be as reliable as the belly-press test, internal rotation lag sign, and lift-off test. For assessing partial subscapularis tendon tears and insufficient external rotators (group III), the belly-off sign was less reliable than any other diagnostic test or sign. The belly-off sign represents a promising new clinical diagnostic sign for subscapularis lesions. In particular, subtle lesions of the upper subscapularis tendon and postoperative subscapularis insufficiencies can be detected by the belly-off sign in cases of intact external rotators. In cases of an advanced lack of external rotators, the belly-off sign becomes negative and loses its diagnostic value. We therefore conclude that the belly-off sign is attributable to an unbalanced transverse force couple with overwhelming of the external rotators of the shoulder. Level IV, case series with no, or historical, control group.

Lag Signs in the Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Rupture

SummaryWe assessed the relative value of lag signs for the evaluation of rotator cuff rupture in a prospective study of 100 consecutive painful shoulders with impingement syndrome, stages 1-3. Lag signs were compared with the Jobe and lift-off signs. Three tests were designed to assess the main components of the rotator cuff: the external rotation lag sign (ERLS) for thesupraspinatus and the infraspinatus tendons; the drop sign for the infraspinatus; and the internal rotation lag sign (IRLS) for the subscapularis tendon. For assessment of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, the ERLS was less sensitive but more specific than the Jobe sign. The drop sign was the least sensitive, but was as specific as the ERLS. Partial ruptures of the supraspinatus remained concealed to the ERLS. For assessment of the subscapularis, the IRLS was as specific, but more sensitive than, the lift-off sign. Partial ruptures of the subscapularis tendon could be missed by the lift-off sign but were detected by the IRLS. The magnitude of the lag correlated with the size of the rupture for both the ERLS and the IRLS. Clinical testing for lag signs was efficient, reproducible and reliable. In patients with little or no restriction of motion, it enhanced the accuracy of clinical diagnosis in rotator cuff lesions.

Lag signs in the diagnosis of rotator cuff rupture.

We assessed the relative value of lag signs for the evaluation of rotator cuff rupture in a prospective study of 100 consecutive painful shoulders with impingement syndrome, stages 1 to 3. Lag signs were compared with the Jobe and lift-off signs. Three tests were designed to assess the main components of the rotator cuff: the external rotation lag sign (ERLS) for the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus tendons, the drop sign for the infraspinatus, and the internal rotation lag sign (IRLS) for the subscapularis tendon. For assessment of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus the ERLS was less sensitive but more specific than the jobe sign. The drop sign was the least sensitive but was as specific as the ERLS. Partial ruptures of the supraspinatus remained concealed to the ERLS. For assessment of the subscapularis the IRLS was as specific but more sensitive than the lift-off sign. Partial ruptures of the subscapularis tendon could be missed by the lift-off sign but were detected by the IRLS. The magnitude of the lag correlated with the size of the rupture for both the ERLS and the IRLS. Clinical testing for lag signs was efficient, reproducible, and reliable. In patients with little or no restriction of motion it enhanced the accuracy of clinical diagnosis in rotator cuff lesions.