Execution
- 1Position the patient sitting or standing with the shoulder relaxed.
- 2Palpate directly along the acromioclavicular joint line.
- 3Compare tenderness with the opposite AC joint.
- 4Differentiate local AC tenderness from subacromial, clavicular, or sternoclavicular pain.
- 5Note swelling, step deformity, or localized pain provoked by palpation.
Positive outcome
Localized pain directly over the AC joint line is positive. Diffuse superior shoulder pain away from the joint line is less specific.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walton et al. (2004) | NA | 96 | 10 | 1.07 | 0.50 |
CommentAC tenderness is sensitive but very nonspecific. It is useful as a quick screen and for localising symptoms, but a positive result should be paired with provocation tests or diagnostic injection when precision matters. It should not be used as a rule-in test alone.
Low Clinical Value