Fractures and dislocations: lift-off test: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Fractures and dislocations: lift-off test

Sample item

A patient with an injured shoulder holds the back of the hand against the lumbar spine with the arm internally rotated but cannot lift the hand away from the back. Which muscle is deficient?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Subscapularis

The Gerber lift-off test assesses the subscapularis, which is the main internal rotator of the arm at the shoulder. Inability to lift the hand off the back indicates a subscapularis tear. The belly-press test is used when the hand cannot be placed behind the back.

Option by option

  • A. Supraspinatus

    Supraspinatus is tested with the empty can test during abduction.

  • B. Infraspinatus

    Infraspinatus is tested in external rotation with the arm at the side.

  • C. Subscapularis (correct)

    Correct. Lift-off from the back against resistance depends on subscapularis.

  • D. Teres minor

    Teres minor is tested with the Hornblower sign at 90 degrees of abduction.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Subscapularis. The Gerber lift-off test assesses the subscapularis, which is the main internal rotator of the arm at the shoulder.

Why is "Supraspinatus" not the answer?

Supraspinatus is tested with the empty can test during abduction.

Why is "Infraspinatus" not the answer?

Infraspinatus is tested in external rotation with the arm at the side.

Why is "Teres minor" not the answer?

Teres minor is tested with the Hornblower sign at 90 degrees of abduction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fractures and dislocations: lift-off test in Orthopaedics. Inability to lift the hand off the back indicates a subscapularis tear. The belly-press test is used when the hand cannot be placed behind the back.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Fractures and dislocations: lift-off test?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.