Jobe's test

Jobe's Test is a physical examination procedure used to diagnose shoulder injuries, specifically those related to the supraspinatus muscle and rotator cuff. It was named after Dr. Frank Jobe, a renowned orthopedic surgeon who contributed significantly to the field of sports medicine.

Procedure

The Jobe's Test is performed with the patient seated or standing. The examiner stands in front of the patient and asks them to flex their shoulder to 90 degrees and internally rotate their arm so that the thumb is pointing downwards. The patient is then asked to resist as the examiner applies a downward force to the arm. Pain or weakness during this maneuver is considered a positive Jobe's Test, indicating a possible injury to the supraspinatus muscle or other components of the rotator cuff.

Clinical Significance

The Jobe's Test is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears, particularly those involving the supraspinatus muscle. It is often used in conjunction with other physical examination tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury. A positive Jobe's Test can guide further diagnostic testing, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound, and can help inform treatment decisions.

Limitations

While the Jobe's Test is a useful diagnostic tool, it is not without limitations. It is not specific for supraspinatus tears and can be positive in other shoulder conditions, such as subacromial impingement or biceps tendonitis. Additionally, the test's sensitivity and specificity can vary depending on the examiner's experience and the patient's pain tolerance.

See Also

• Rotator cuff
• Supraspinatus muscle
• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine

References

• Jobe FW, Moynes DR. Delineation of diagnostic criteria and a rehabilitation program for rotator cuff injuries. Am J Sports Med. 1982;10(6):336-339.