Video 2.9. Increased Passive External Rotation of the Shoulder

The examiner demonstrates the technique for examining passive external rotation of the shoulder. The patient is seated with his arm adducted and his elbow in 90 degrees of flexion. The examiner passively externally rotates both shoulders and compares the range of motion. An increase in passive external rotation in one shoulder compared to the contralateral shoulder is suggestive of a subscapularis tear. Here, the patient has increased passive external rotation in his right shoulder when compared to his normal left shoulder, which is suggestive of a right-sided subscapularis tear.