In the Drop test, what is the examiner's action?

• A. The examiner passively raises the arm to 90° abduction, then releases it, asking the patient to lower it slowly.
• B. The examiner flexes the elbow to 90° and asks patient to hold.
• C. The examiner applies valgus stress to elbow at 30°.
• D. The examiner performs active abduction to 180° with patient.

Answer: (A)

The Drop test assesses rotator cuff integrity, especially the supraspinatus. In this test, the examiner passively abducts the patient’s arm to about 90 degrees and then releases it, asking the patient to lower the arm slowly. A smooth, controlled lowering indicates a functioning rotator cuff, while a sudden drop or inability to control the descent suggests a rotator cuff tear or significant supraspinatus weakness. The other actions described involve elbow testing, ligament stress, or active full abduction, which are not the drop test and don’t specifically evaluate the rotor cuff’s ability to control the arm after passive elevation.