Cross Body Adduction Test | AC Joint Pathology

The Cross Body Adduction Test is an orthopedic test to assess for a sensitized Acromioclavicular Joint such as in osteoarthritis.

According to a study done by Chronopoulos et al. (2004) the cross-body adduction test has a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 79%. The authors do not recommend using this test as a standalone diagnostic tool.

To conduct the test elevate the arm to 90° of flexion and then add maximum horizontal adduction.A positive test will produce pain on top of the shoulder near the AC  joint.

Other common orthopedic tests to assess for AC Joint Pathology are:

• AC Joint Line Tenderness
• Active Compression Test of O’Brien
• Paxinos Sign
• AC Joint Resisted Extension Test
• AC Shear Test
• AC Joint Pain Cluster of Signs & Symptoms
• AC Joint Provocation Cluster by Krill
• AC Joint Provocation Cluster by Chronopoulos

Chronopoulos E, Kim TK, Park HB, Ashenbrenner D, McFarland EG. Diagnostic value of physical tests for isolated chronic acromioclavicular lesions. The American journal of sports medicine. 2004 Apr;32(3):655-61.

Krill MK, Rosas S, Kwon K, Dakkak A, Nwachukwu BU, McCormick F. A concise evidence-based physical examination for diagnosis of acromioclavicular joint pathology: a systematic review. The Physician and sportsmedicine. 2018 Jan 2;46(1):98-104.