July’s Assessment assistant
Clinical Evaluation and Physical Exam Findings in Patients with Anterior Shoulder Instability
What?
How to rule out anterior shoulder laxity. Two most sensitive tests…
Release test- sensitivity: 0.85–0.92
Patient position: Supine, shoulder at 90° abduction and 90° external rotation, posteriorly-directed force applied to humeral head
Maneuver: Suddenly release posteriorly-directed force on the humeral head
Positive finding: Sensation of apprehension or instability (not pain)
Apprehension test – sensitivity: 0.68–0.88
Patient position: Supine or upright, shoulder at 90° abduction and elbow flexed at 90°
Maneuver: Bring shoulder into 90° of external rotation
Positive finding: Sensation of apprehension or instability (not pain)
So…
In patients who experience “recurrent anterior dislocation,” pain & weakness overhead or even experience a painful shoulder without distinct instability episodes it is important to investigate anterior laxity. Both of these tests have more or less the same starting position and so it’s very quick to do both.
ASP wishes yourselves and your families the best of health in this trying time.
Michael Rafla
Physiotherapist
Australian Sports Physiotherapy
Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Coburg, Northcote
1300651256
0431 271 714
Lizzio VA, Meta F, Fidai M, Makhni EC. Clinical Evaluation and Physical Exam Findings in Patients with Anterior Shoulder Instability. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2017;10(4):434‐441. doi:10.1007/s12178-017-9434-3
