Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The optimal positioning for palpating the greater tuberosity of the humerus is through passive external rotation. This positioning allows the greater tuberosity to become more prominent and accessible, as it turns the structure into a more anterior position relative to the acromion and the surrounding anatomical landmarks. When the arm is externally rotated, the greater tuberosity moves away from the glenoid fossa, making it easier to locate.

In contrast, positions such as passive abduction or passive flexion do not facilitate access to the greater tuberosity as effectively, as these movements can obscure it beneath the acromion or place it in a less favorable position for palpation. Passive internal rotation also minimizes the prominence of the greater tuberosity, making palpation more challenging. Therefore, passive external rotation is the most effective choice for accurately identifying and palpating the greater tuberosity of the humerus.