Execution
- 1Position the patient sitting with the elbow at 90°.
- 2Stabilize the distal ulna about 4 cm proximal to the wrist to avoid painful local structures.
- 3Place the other hand around the patient’s palm and tests the DRUJ in neutral rotation.
- 4Repeat anterior and posterior glides in full pronation and full supination.
- 5Let the joint spring back to neutral and then tests whether radial deviation increases stability.
Positive outcome
Pain, increased translation, asymmetry, or poor spring-back compared with the opposite side is positive. If radial deviation does not improve stability, Magee notes that TFCC injury should be suspected. The test assesses DRUJ stability rather than radiocarpal motion.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wijffels et al. (2012) — systematic review / reliability context | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CommentMagee calls this the distal radioulnar joint stability or ballottement test. It should be tested in neutral, pronation, and supination because TFCC and radioulnar ligament tension changes with rotation. Mild laxity is common, so side-to-side comparison and pain reproduction are essential.
Low Clinical Value