Subacromial bursitis is best suggested by which finding during shoulder ROM?

• A. Pain with abduction of the arm from 70-100 degrees.
• B. Positive Yergason's sign.
• C. Positive Kanavel's sign.
• D. Pain along the proximal humeral groove.

Answer: (A)

A painful arc in the mid-range of shoulder abduction reflects impingement of subacromial structures. As the arm lifts, the greater tuberosity comes closer to the acromion, narrowing the subacromial space and compressing the inflamed subacromial bursa and nearby rotator cuff tendons (especially the supraspinatus). This produces pain typically around 70–100 degrees of abduction (often peaking near 90 degrees), which is the classic sign of subacromial bursitis.

Other signs point to different problems: pain with resisted forearm supination and external rotation suggests biceps tendon pathology (Yergason’s test), Kanavel’s signs indicate infection of the flexor tendon sheath of the hand, and tenderness along the proximal humeral groove points to bicipital tendinopathy.