Neer's sign

System: Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs · All muscles, bones & joints signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

The examiner stabilises the shoulder blade and raises the patient's straight arm fully overhead; pain in the shoulder is a positive result.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with subacromial impingement of the rotator cuff.

◈ Behind the name

Charles S. Neer II (1917–2011), American orthopaedic surgeon, pioneer of shoulder surgery.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.