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A Clinician’s Guide to the Upper Quadrant Screening Exam

A Structured, Safety-Focused Approach to Cervical & Upper Quadrant Assessment

A practical clinical resource designed to help MSK clinicians screen for serious pathology, neurological involvement, and instability during upper quadrant assessments.

CATA Approved Provider Badge - 2025-2027 EN

0.4 CATA CEUs

Step-by-step screening framework
Mandatory patient inquiry & physical exam checks
Neurological & red flag integration
Audio / video + visual reference material

Why Upper Quadrant Screening Cannot Be Assumed

Neck, shoulder, and upper quadrant symptoms often appear musculoskeletal — but in some cases, they may indicate neurological, vascular, or central pathology.

Without a structured screening approach, clinicians risk:

  • Missing serious underlying conditions
  • Overlooking neurological involvement
  • Proceeding with treatment when caution or referral is required

This resource provides a clear, repeatable screening process to support safer clinical decision-making.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Apply a systematic upper quadrant screening exam
  • Perform mandatory patient inquiry relevant to serious pathology
  • Recognize symptoms suggestive of:
  • Cranial nerve involvement
  • Vertebral artery insufficiency
  • Spinal cord compromise or instability
  • Integrate neurological findings into clinical reasoning
  • Decide when to stop, proceed with caution, or continue assessment

Module Content Overview

Understanding Neurological Screening & Clinical Reasoning
  • Deep tendon reflex testing and interpretation
  • Recognition of lower vs upper motor neuron signs
  • Identification of pathological reflexes
  • Integration of findings into differential diagnosis

The focus is not memorization, but meaningful interpretation.

Making Sense of Neurological Findings

You will review key nerve root levels and their primary functions, including:

  • C4 – Scapular elevation
  • C5 – Shoulder abduction
  • C6 – Elbow flexion / wrist extension
  • C7 – Elbow extension / wrist flexion
  • T1 – Hand intrinsics

This allows clinicians to connect exam findings with functional relevance.

Why Choose MSK

Who This Module Is Designed For

If you assess patients with neck, shoulder, arm, or neurological symptoms, this screening approach is essential.

What’s Included

WHAT YOU GET

✔ Educational audio / video content
✔ Visual upper quadrant screening infographic
✔ Structured screening framework
✔ Neurological assessment reference
✔ Lifetime access to purchased materials

Please email us at mskacademy25@gmail.com upon completion of the module to receive a “Certificate of Completion’ 

Upper Quadrant Scan Exam
msk academy

Screen with Confidence

Treat with Greater Safety

Upper quadrant screening is not optional, it is a clinical responsibility. This resource helps you approach assessment with clarity, structure, and confidence.