Execution
- 1Position the patient supine with both arms fully elevated overhead and palms facing the ceiling.
- 2Stand beside the patient’s head on the tested side.
- 3Grasp the tested arm just distal to the elbow.
- 4Ask the patient to flex the arm forward as if simulating a throwing motion.
- 5Resist the forward-flexion movement and ask whether deep shoulder pain is reproduced.
Positive outcome
Deep intra-articular shoulder pain or pain along the dorsal joint line during resisted flexion is positive for a SLAP lesion. Magee recommends testing the good arm first.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ebinger et al. (2008) | NA | 80 | 69 | 2.58 | 0.29 |
CommentThe test was designed for SLAP-related throwing pain and may be more useful in isolated SLAP lesions than mixed shoulder pathology. Evidence is promising but not definitive. A positive should be interpreted with the mechanism and with other biceps-labrum tests.
Moderate Clinical Value