

The AC Resisted Extension Test is a common orthopedic test to assess for Acromioclavicular Joint Pathology.
According to a study done by Christopoulos et al, the AC resisted extension test has a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 85%. . It is designed to provoke a symptomatic AC joint. The authors do not recommend using this test as a stand-alone diagnostic tool, but it can be valuable if done in a cluster. Make sure to watch that video next by a click in the top right corner.
With the patient in sitting position elevate the arm to 90° of flexion. Now the patient is asked to resist horizontal adduction by pushing against the examiner’s hand. Again, a positive test will reproduce pain on top of the shoulder near the AC joint.
Other common orthopedic tests to assess for AC Joint Pathology are: