Summary
The aim of this study is to assess the performance of the Jobe Test as a predictor of supraspinatus tears
Abstract
Introduction
Jobe Test is widely used by clinicians as a screening tool for supraspinatus tears, however its accuracy is not clearly stated in the literature. The aim of this study is to assess the performance of the Jobe Test as a predictor of supraspinatus tears.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical record and ultrasound report of every patient with shoulder pain, evaluated by a single shoulder surgeon between 2012 and 2017. Patients with previous shoulder surgery and/or previous shoulder pathology were excluded. Jobe Test evaluation and ultrasound findings were registered. Sensitivity and specificity of Jobe Test for the diagnosis of supraspinatus tear were calculated, statistical analysis was performed to determine association between Jobe Test findings and ultrasound diagnosis. Logistic regression model was used to predict a supraspinatus tear by presenting a positive Jobe test.
Results
1107 patients were included. The sensitivity and specificity of Jobe Test to detect a supraspinatus tear, either partial or full thickness, were 40.3 and 85.9% respectively. A significant association was observed between Jobe Test and ultrasound findings (p <0.001). Logistic regression showed an Odds Ratio of 4.12 (3.008-5.664) for a supraspinatus tear with a positive Jobe Test, using negative Jobe Test as reference value.
Conclusion
Jobe Test showed a high specificity and a modest sensitivity in our sample. In this study, a significant association was observed between Jobe Test and supraspinatus tear finding on ultrasound imaging, quadrupling the odds when positive.