What is Paxinos sign essentially a test for?

Paxinos sign is primarily used to assess acromioclavicular (AC) joint pathology. This test involves applying pressure on the acromion while simultaneously applying pressure to the distal clavicle. If there is pain or tenderness in the area, it indicates that there may be an issue with the AC joint, such as osteoarthritis, a sprain, or other forms of pathology. The reproducible pain during this maneuver is a strong indicator of AC joint involvement, making it a validated assessment tool for detecting AC joint disorders specifically.

In understanding AC joint pathology, it is crucial to differentiate it from other shoulder issues. For instance, shoulder instability, labral tears, and tendinopathy may have overlapping symptoms with AC joint pain but are assessed through different tests. The specificity of the Paxinos sign makes it well-suited for targeting AC joint lesions, resulting in its designation as an important clinical examination technique in the musculoskeletal assessment of the shoulder.