The hug test, also known as the bear hug test, is a physical examination used to assess for potential subscapularis muscle tears or inflammation in the shoulder.
Understanding the Hug Test
The hug test is a clinical assessment. It helps medical professionals identify possible issues with the subscapularis muscle, a key rotator cuff muscle in the shoulder. The test is called "hug test" because the patient is asked to position their arm as if they are hugging someone.
How the Hug Test is Performed
During the hug test, the patient performs the following movement:
- The patient places the hand of the affected arm on the opposite shoulder, as if giving themselves a hug.
- The examiner then tries to lift the patient's hand off their shoulder.
- The test is considered positive if the patient is unable to resist this external rotation or experiences pain.
Here's a more detailed look:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Patient places the hand of the affected arm on the opposite shoulder |
| 2 | Examiner attempts to lift the patient's hand off the shoulder |
| 3 | Positive test: The patient cannot resist the examiner or has pain |
What Does a Positive Hug Test Indicate?
A positive hug test can suggest several issues with the subscapularis muscle or surrounding tissues:
- Subscapularis Tear: A tear in the subscapularis muscle can cause weakness and pain when resisting the examiner's force during the hug test.
- Inflammation: Even without a full tear, inflammation of the subscapularis or surrounding tissues can lead to pain and limited ability to resist external rotation. According to the reference, pain could indicate "not necessarily torn but just very inflamed."
- Compensatory Movements: If the patient cheats, by not keeping their hand on the opposite shoulder properly, this can lead to inaccurate results.
Important Considerations
It is important to note that:
- A positive test result does not automatically guarantee a subscapularis tear.
- Further diagnostic tests, such as an MRI, are often necessary to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the injury.
- The hug test should be performed by a qualified medical professional.
In Summary
The hug test is a valuable tool to assess potential subscapularis issues. It is used by medical professionals during a physical examination. This test helps to determine whether there could be a tear or inflammation.
