Execution
- 1Position the patient standing and stand behind the patient.
- 2Place the patient’s arm in 90° forward flexion, 10° to 15° abduction, and maximal internal rotation.
- 3Stabilize the scapula with one hand while applying downward resistance to the patient’s arm with the other hand.
- 4Note pain and strength in this first resisted position.
- 5Repeat the resistance while using the thumb to apply an anterior stabilizing force just lateral to the posterior glenohumeral joint line.
Positive outcome
Reduction of posterior shoulder pain, with or without improved strength, during the second stabilized phase is positive. Magee describes the test for posterior instability and posterior labral tears.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morey et al. (2016) | > 0.8 inter-examiner | 100 | 99.3 | 142.9 | 0.0 |
CommentThe reported values are extremely strong but come from a single diagnostic study, so treat them as promising rather than settled. The mechanism is symptom modification with posterior humeral-head stabilization, not pain provocation alone. Independent validation is still limited.
High Clinical Value