The cross-body adduction test is used primarily to identify pathology in which structure?

• A. AC joint
• B. Glenohumeral joint
• C. Rotator cuff
• D. Biceps tendon

Answer: (A)

The cross-body adduction test loads the acromioclavicular joint by bringing the arm straight across the chest and applying pressure to compress the AC joint. If this maneuver reproduces pain at the top of the shoulder, it points to pathology in the AC joint—such as arthritis, sprain, or distal clavicle issues. This test specifically targets the AC joint rather than the glenohumeral joint, rotator cuff, or biceps tendon, which produce pain or dysfunction with different maneuvers (glenohumeral issues show up with range-of-motion or impingement tests, rotator cuff with resisted movements, and biceps tendinopathy with resisted flexion or speed/yergason tests).