Examination of the Rotator Cuff - Belly Press Test - Clinical Examination

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The belly press test is used to test the subscapularis muscle, an internal rotator of the shoulder, in isolation. The patient is asked to flex the elbow to 90° and place the palm of the hand on the epigastrium such that the wrist joint and the elbow joint are in almost the same horizontal plane. This action causes an internal rotation of the shoulder joint. The patient is now asked to press the epigastrium with the palm while keeping the wrist and elbow joints in the same horizontal plane. This maneuver tests the subscapularis muscle against resistance. The test is considered positive if the patient is unable to do so or complains of pain on doing so. A positive belly press test indicates a pathology of the subscapularis muscle (e.g., subscapularis weakness, rotator cuff tear).

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