The accuracy of “subacromial grind test” in diagnosis of supraspinatus rotator cuff tears

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of a simple clinical test (subacromial grind test) in diagnosing supraspinatus tendon tears. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The test is considered positive if palpable crepitus or grinding is detected on passive internal and external rotation of the shoulder while abducted in the scapular plane. Data were collected prospectively on 47 patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy, and the results of the test and arthroscopy compared. RESULTS: During arthroscopy, 17 patients had full thickness (FT) tears of supraspinatus tendon and 10 had partial thickness tears. For any supraspinatus tear, the sensitivity of the test was 63%, specificity 95%, positive predictive value 94%, negative predictive value 66% and overall accuracy 79%. For FT tears, the sensitivity was 82%, specificity 87%, positive predictive value 78%, negative predictive value 90% and overall accuracy 85%. CONCLUSION: We found that this is a useful single test for diagnosing FT supraspinatus tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV diagnostic study.