Shoulder Abduction Test (Bakody's Sign): Relieving Nerve Pain

The Shoulder Abduction Test, famously known as Bakody's Sign, is a valuable clinical sign for cervical radiculopathy. Unlike most tests that provoke pain, this test is significant because the position typically relieves the patient's symptoms.

1. Purpose

The primary purpose of the Shoulder Abduction Test (also known as Bakody's Sign) is to assess for Cervical Radiculopathy. It is a "relief sign" test used to check if active radicular symptoms (nerve root pain) are relieved by shortening the pathway of the nerve roots (typically C4-C6).

2. How to Perform

1. The patient is positioned in sitting or lying down.
2. The patient must be currently experiencing radicular symptoms (arm pain or tingling) for the test to be valid.
3. The patient is instructed to actively abduct their arm and place the hand of the affected side on top of their head.

3. Positive & Negative Sign

Positive Sign (Bakody's Sign Present):
A positive test is the reduction or complete elimination of the patient's radicular symptoms. This confirms the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy, as lifting the arm decreases tension on the nerve roots.

Negative Sign (Test is NEGATIVE):
A negative test is when there is no change in symptoms, or an increase in pain (which may suggest shoulder pathology or increased pressure in the interscalene triangle).