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Active Elevation Lag Test

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Demonstration of the active elevation lag test[1]
  • Active Elevation Lag Test
  • Active Elevation Lag Sign

Purpose

Description

  • The patient is standing
  • They are instructed to actively elevated their arm forward to the maximum height
  • Positive test
    • Inability to maintain arm in the elevated position, resulting in lag/drop
  • Observe for compensatory spinal hyperextension
    • May occur as the patient attempts to elevate arm despite trapezius weakness

Pathology

Evidence

  • Needs to be updated

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Image courtesy of mskmedicine.com
  2. ↑ Levy, Ofer, et al. "The active elevation lag sign and the triangle sign: new clinical signs of trapezius palsy." Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery 18.4 (2009): 573-576.
Created by:
John Kiel on 18 January 2025 15:30:34
Authors:
Last edited:
27 October 2025 23:18:23
Category:
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