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Which special test is best to determine the presence of frozen shoulder?
Apley's Scratch Test
Hawkins-Kennedy Test
Speed's Test
Apprehension Test
The correct answer is: Apley's Scratch Test
The Apley's Scratch Test is an effective way to assess the range of motion of the shoulder and can help indicate restrictions commonly seen in frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. This test evaluates the functional movement of the shoulder by having the patient attempt to touch their opposite shoulder or reach behind their back. In frozen shoulder, there is a significant limitation in both active and passive range of motion, and the test can demonstrate these restrictions clearly. When conducting the Apley’s Scratch Test, limited movement or pain can suggest that the shoulder may have frozen shoulder, particularly when other ranges of motion in the shoulder joint are also assessed. This test is advantageous because it is simple to perform and doesn't require specialized equipment, making it widely applicable in various clinical settings. The other tests listed are more specific to different conditions or aspects of shoulder function, but they do not directly assess the chief limitations associated with frozen shoulder. For instance, the Hawkins-Kennedy Test is primarily used to evaluate for impingement of the rotator cuff, Speed's Test assesses biceps tendon pathology, and the Apprehension Test is focused on detecting shoulder instability. Therefore, while all these tests contribute to a comprehensive shoulder evaluation, the Apley’s Scratch Test is