"Localizing signs" in the shoulder examination

Clinical Importance of a Localizing Sign in the Shoulder Functional Examination

In the clinical assessment of shoulder disorders, identifying a localizing sign—a specific physical finding that points to a particular part in an anatomical structure—is crucial for more specific diagnosis and targeted treatment. Given the complexity of the shoulder joint, which involves multiple muscles, tendons, bursae, and articulations, differentiating among various potential sources of pain or dysfunction requires precise evaluation.

A localizing sign helps the clinician narrow down the differential diagnosis.