Execution
- 1Position the patient sitting, standing, or supine with the elbow flexed to 90°.
- 2Externally rotate the shoulder to the point of tightness.
- 3Place the arm in approximately 70° abduction in the scapular plane.
- 4Abduct the arm from about 70° to 120° and back while applying a shear load to the joint.
- 5Note pain or clicking, especially between 90° and 120° of abduction.
Positive outcome
Pain, and possibly a click, between approximately 90° and 120° of abduction is positive. Magee describes this as O’Driscoll’s SLAP / dynamic labral shear test.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodha et al. (2017) | NA | 57-78 | 51-52 | NA | NA |
CommentLater diagnostic work found limited specificity, especially when SLAP lesions coexist with other injuries. A painful click in the expected arc is more suggestive than diffuse pain. Use it as part of a labral screen rather than a standalone diagnosis.
Low Clinical Value