Diagnostic Value of Frequently Implemented Provocative Tests in the Assessment of Shoulder Pain-A Glimpse of Current Practice.

Initial evaluation of chronic shoulder disability is a diagnostic challenge due to the anatomic complexity of the shoulder joints. For this purpose, several diagnostic tools utilizing provocative testing exist, but only a few have a reliable basis for their diagnostic value. Therefore, objectively determining the predictive value of these tests in identifying the precise anatomical source for disability-subacromial, intraarticular or other-is essential in order to proceed with further imaging evaluations for final objective diagnoses. Using validated clusters of provocative tests should improve their diagnostic values.