Execution
- 1Position the patient supine or sitting.
- 2Elevate the arm to approximately 160° in the scapular plane.
- 3Apply an axial load through the humerus.
- 4Rotate the humerus internally and externally while maintaining compression.
- 5Ask whether pain, clicking, catching, or the familiar symptoms are reproduced.
Positive outcome
Pain on rotation, especially external rotation, with or without a click or reproduction of symptoms is positive. The test is interpreted as a labral provocation test rather than an isolated SLAP confirmation.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stetson & Templin (2002) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Guanche & Jones (2003) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CommentCrank-style labral tests are heterogeneous: different authors use different abduction angles, axial loads, and positive criteria. Systematic reviews generally find limited standalone accuracy for SLAP lesions. Use it as a labral irritability test, not as a decisive SLAP test.
Low Clinical Value