Patte's Test assesses pathology of which muscle?

• A. Teres Minor
• B. Infraspinatus
• C. Subscapularis
• D. Supraspinatus

Answer: (A)

Patte's test is used to identify pathology of the teres minor, a small rotator cuff muscle that helps externally rotate the arm, especially when it is positioned close to the body. The test places the shoulder in a position that makes the teres minor the primary external rotator, while minimizing the contribution from the larger infraspinatus. If the patient shows weakness or reproduces pain with resisted external rotation in this position, it points toward teres minor involvement.

This muscle is often tested separately because other tests target different cuff muscles: supraspinatus is typically evaluated with maneuvers that load the deltoid–supraspinatus mechanism (like resisted abduction or the empty/full can tests), subscapularis with lifting-off or belly-press maneuvers, and infraspinatus with general external rotation strength tests. Patte's test helps isolate the teres minor by changing the mechanics of external rotation to emphasize that particular muscle, making it the best choice for assessing teres minor pathology.