Yocum Test

What is Yocum test?

Yocum Test is used to evaluate the subacromial impingement syndrome of the shoulder.

See Also: Neer Test

How do you perform the Yocum Test?

With the patient sitting/ standing the hand of the patient is placed on the opposite shoulder and the elbow of the tested side is passively raised up by the examiner.

What does a positive Yocum Test mean?

The test is positive if pain is elicited during this maneuver.

Accuracy

A study on 30 patients with new onset of shoulder pain (the reference standard was subacromial impingement confirmed by MRI), the sensitivity and specificity was:

• Sensitivity: 79%
• Specificity: 40%

and for subacromial bursitis confirmed by MRI, the sensitivity and specificity was 80% and 36%, respectively.

A study comparing the Neer test, Hawkins Kennedy test, and Yocum test found all three to demonstrate a high sensitivity for diagnosing subacromial impingement.

References

1. Silva L, Andreu JL, Munoz P, et al. Accuracy of physical examination in subacromial impingement syndrome. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2008;47:679-683.
2. Leroux JL, Thomas E, Bonnel F, Blotman F. Diagnostic value of clinical tests for shoulder impingement syndrome. Rev Rhum Engl Ed. 1995 Jun;62(6):423-8. PMID: 7552206.
3. Rudert M, Wulker M. Clinical evaluation. In: Wulleer N, Mansat M, Fu F, editors. Shoulder surgery: an illustrated textbook. London: Martin Dunitz; 2001.
4. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, And Intervention 3rd Edition.
5. Netter’s Orthopaedic Clinical Examination An Evidence-Based Approach 3rd Edition Book.