Standing or sitting
For women, a gown over the non-examined side with the examined area exposed or a halter top is recommended.
For men, removal of the shirt is requested.
Anterior to the patient.
May I place my fingers on the front of your shoulder? (or point to the coracoid process area).
Place your hand behind your back (or demonstrate). Now lift your hand away from your back.
(Note: This motion of glenohumeral extension does not activate the pectoralis major, which is
superficial to the pectoralis minor).
With the patient relaxed, place your fingers just inferior to the coracoid process. Ask the patient to lift his/her hand away from his/her back. The tensed pectoralis minor muscle can be palpated. You may be able to trace the outline of the contracting muscle with your fingers.
VH - close up of the anterior shoulder with skin and pectoralis major removed.
VH - close up of the anterior shoulder with skin removed.
VH - close up of the anterior shoulder with skin removed.