What does a positive Neer's test indicate?

• A. Pain in the shoulder
• B. Weakness in the biceps
• C. Instability of the shoulder joint
• D. Impingement of supraspinatus or long head of the biceps

Answer: (D)

A positive Neer's test specifically indicates impingement of the supraspinatus tendon or the long head of the biceps tendon. This test is performed by having the patient elevate their arm while the examiner stabilizes the scapula, which can reproduce pain if there is impingement of these structures. The positive result suggests that there is compression of the rotator cuff tendons or the biceps tendon under the coracoacromial arch, leading to symptoms such as pain during shoulder movements, particularly when lifting the arm overhead. This is a common assessment tool used in evaluating shoulder injuries, especially in athletes or individuals who engage in overhead activities.