Clinical testing of the function of the long thoracic nerve is done by?
Injury to the long thoracic nerve or nerve to serratus anterior leads to inability to raise the arm beyond 90 degree i.e. overhead abduction. Serratus anterior rotates the inferior angle of scapula laterally during abduction of the arm above the head. Winging of scapula is another classical feature of long thoracic nerve injury.
Adduct the arm abducted to 90 degree against resistance
Hold the arm in abducted position against resistance
Initiate abduction of the arm from the side against resistance
Raise the arm above the head on the affected side