Execution
- 1Position the patient sitting or standing with the shoulder relaxed.
- 2Palpate the coracoid process on the symptomatic side using firm but controlled pressure.
- 3Palpate comparison sites such as the AC joint and anterolateral subacromial region.
- 4Compare coracoid tenderness with the opposite side if needed.
- 5Score the test based on whether coracoid pressure is disproportionately painful compared with other sites.
Positive outcome
Marked tenderness over the coracoid process that is more painful than palpation over other shoulder sites is positive. The test has been described for differentiating true adhesive capsulitis from other painful stiff shoulders.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbone et al. (2010) | NA | 96-99 | 87-98 | 7.38-49.5 | 0.01-0.05 |
CommentThis test was not found as a named Magee procedure in the searchable shoulder chapter; it is included from the primary Carbone study because the frozen-shoulder TOC lists it. The reported values are strong but come mainly from one study and palpation force can affect results. Use it as supportive evidence alongside capsular-pattern ROM loss and exclusion of other causes.
High Clinical Value