Hornblowers Sign

Other Names

Hornblowers Sign

Demonstration of normal hornblower's sign

• Hornblower's Sign
• Patte Test
• Hornblower's Test

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Purpose

• Evaluate the Teres Minor, Infraspinatus as a cause of shoulder pain or weakness

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Description

• The patient is seated or standing
• Examiner passively flexes elbow to 90°, abducts arm to 90°
• The patient is asked to hold the arm in this position
• Positive test
  • Arm falls into internal rotation and patient unable to maintain position

Modification

• Alternatively, the examiner can ask the patient to externally rotate against resistance when in position

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Pathology

• Rotator Cuff Tear

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Evidence

Rotator Cuff Tear

• Walch et al
  • Sensitivity: 100%
  • Specificity: 93%
  • LR+: 14.29
  • LR-: 0

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See Also

• Physical Exam Shoulder
• Shoulder Pain (Main)

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