Execution
- 1Position the patient supine with the shoulder near or slightly off the edge of the table.
- 2Flex the shoulder to approximately 70° to 90°, adducts it, and internally rotates it.
- 3Apply a posteriorly directed force to the humerus to provoke posterior subluxation.
- 4Palpate the anterior and posterior shoulder with the other hand.
- 5Then abduct and externally rotates the arm and feel or listens for reduction.
Positive outcome
Apprehension during the provocation phase followed by a clunk as the humeral head reduces during abduction and external rotation is positive. The finding suggests posterior subluxation / instability.
CommentMagee describes the procedure, but diagnostic-accuracy data are sparse compared with Kim, jerk, and posterior apprehension testing. The test may provoke subluxation, so it should be used carefully in highly symptomatic patients. Treat it as supportive rather than definitive.
Low Clinical Value