Neer Test

Purpose[edit | edit source]

This test is commonly used to identify possible subacromial impingement syndrome.

Technique[edit | edit source]

The examiner should stabilize the patient's scapula with one hand, while passively flexing the arm while it is internally rotated. If the patient reports pain in this position, then the result of the test is considered to be positive.

Evidence[edit | edit source]

Diagnostic Test Properties for the Neers Test[1]
Sensitivity   0.00 - 0.93
Specificity   0.31 - 1.00
Positive Likelihood Ratio   1.30 - 1.35
Negative Likelihood Ratio   0.37 - 0.82


See test diagnostics page for explanation of statistics.

Two recent systematic reviews each performed a meta-analysis to determine the appropriateness of performing the Neers test for identification of subacromial impingement. The first article by Hegedus and colleagues[2] investigated publications from 1966 to Oct 2006 while the subsequent follow up article investigated publications from Nov 2006 to Feb 2012[3]. The following results were shown.

Meta-analysis Results[2][3]
  Author   Sensitivity   Specificity
Hegedus et al 2008   0.79   0.53
Hegedus et al 2012   0.72    0.60


References[edit | edit source]

  1. Dutton, M. (2008). Orthopaedic: Examination, evaluation, and intervention (2nd ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Hegedus, E. J., Goode, A., Campbell, S., Morin, A., Tamaddoni, M., Moorman, C. T., Cook, C. (2008). Physical examination tests of the shoulder: a systematic review with meta-analysis of individual tests. British journal of sports medicine, 42(2), 80-92.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Hegedus, E. J., Goode, A. P., Cook, C. E., Michener, L., Myer, C. A., Myer, D. M., Wright, A. A. (2012). Which physical examination tests provide clinicians with the most value when examining the shoulder? Update of a systematic review with meta-analysis of individual tests. British journal of sports medicine, 46(14), 964-978.