testing
Last reviewed 01/2018
Serratus anterior can be tested in a number of ways:
- instruct the patient to stand from just less than their arms' length away from a wall. Ask them to push against the wall. The digitations of the muscle are often seen and felt against the lateral thoracic wall, particularly in young, athletic subjects.
- ask the patient to do a 'press-up' exercise; examine the same area
For both tests, look at the medial (vertebral) border of the scapula on both sides. Weakness of serratus anterior will result in 'winging' of the scapula.