UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Orthopedics

Title: Apprehension test for shoulder dislocation

Keywords: shoulder dislocation, apprehension (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/25/2012 by Brian Corwell, MD (Updated: 4/28/2024)
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Apprehension test for shoulder dislocation

Tests for chronic shoulder dislocation

Similar to the patellar apprehension test

Designed to place the humeral head in a position of imminent subluxation or dislocation

http://www.maitrise-orthop.com/corpusmaitri/orthopaedic/112_kelly/kelly-fig11.jpg

ABduct and externally rotate arm to a position where the shoulder may dislocate

If the shoulder is about to dislocate, the patient will experience apprehension due to the familiar pattern of dislocation, report the laxity and resist further motion.