Scarf Test
Original Editor - Shejza Mino
Top Contributors - Shejza Mino, Kim Jackson and Manisha Shrestha
Purpose[edit | edit source]
The scarf test, also known as the cross-body adduction test, is used to assess the integrity of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint.
Technique[edit | edit source]
The test is performed by passively bringing the patient's arm into 90 degrees of forward flexion, with their elbow also flexed to 90 degrees. The examiner then horizontally adducts the flexed arm across the patient's body, bringing their elbow towards the contralateral shoulder [1].
This position results in compression of the medial acromial facet against the distal clavicle to provoke symptoms at the acromioclavicular joint [1].
Interpretation[edit | edit source]
This test is considered positive if the maneuver successfully reproduces the patient's symptoms of pain localized over the AC joint [1].
A positive test is usually suggestive of AC joint osteoarthritis or a ligamentous injury to the AC joint (i.e., ligament sprain or joint separation).
Validity[edit | edit source]
The diagnostic accuracy of this test for AC joint pathology is the following:
- Sensitivity = 0.77
- Specificity = 0.79
- +LR = 3.67/-LR = 0.29
Evidence[edit | edit source]
Currently, the best available evidence supports special interpretation of a number of different tests performed in a physical examination to render a diagnosis of painful AC joint dysfunction
Differential Diagnoses[edit | edit source]
Reproduction of pain with the cross-body adduction maneuver may also occur in the following conditions:
- Posterior capsule tightness
- Subacromial impingement
Additionally, restricted range of motion more likely suggests adhesive capsulitis or glenohumeral arthritis, and is very uncommonly associated with AC joint pathology.
Resources[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Park HB, Yokota A, Gill HS, El Rassi G, McFarland EG. Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for the different degrees of subacromial impingement syndrome. JBJS. 2005 Jul 1;87(7):1446-55.
