What finding indicates a positive Drop test?

• A. Pain only during initial raise.
• B. Decreased elbow flexion strength without pain.
• C. Inability to hold the arm at 90° or a sudden drop of the arm during descent.
• D. No observable movement with pain.

Answer: (C)

The test is used to detect a rotator cuff tear, especially involving the supraspinatus. When the arm is brought to about 90 degrees of abduction, a normal shoulder can slowly be lowered with smooth, controlled movement because the supraspinatus and other cuff muscles eccentrically stabilize the humeral head. If the supraspinatus is torn, this control is lost, and the arm may suddenly drop or the patient cannot hold it at 90 degrees due to weakness. This abrupt drop or inability to maintain the position is considered a positive test.

Pain alone during the initial raise suggests impingement rather than a tear; weakness in elbow flexion without shoulder pain points away from a rotator cuff issue; no movement with pain doesn’t fit the typical pattern of a positive drop arm test.