Andrew's Anterior Instability Test |
Examination type |
Joint
stability |
Patient & Body Segment Positioning |
Patient lies
supine with the involved shoulder abducted to about 1300
and externally rotated 900. |
Examiner Position |
While
standing at the head of the table on the side of the involved
shoulder, the examiner stabilizes the elbow and distal humerus
with one hand and uses other hand to grasp the humeral head.
|
Tissues
Being Tested |
Anterior
deltoid, rotator cuff muscles, glenoid labrum |
Performing the Test |
Stabilize
the elbow while using the hand on the humeral head to lift the
humeral forward (anteriorly) to reproduce patient’s symptoms.
This test is similar to a Lachman test of the knee for the
shoulder. |
Positive Test |
Pain,
apprehension, or excessive anterior translation with the test or
a clunking sound during the test |
Interpretation |
A positive
test indicates anterior instability of the shoulder. This could
mean that you will be at high risk for a shoulder dislocation.
Also, the clunking sound may indicate a labral tear. |
Common errors in
performing exam |
Improper
examiner, patient, or hand positioning; not pulling on the
humeral head firmly enough |
Factors possibly
resulting in misinterpretation |
Posterior
laxity may provide a false sense of anterior translation. |
Related tests |
Anterior
Instability Test, Apprehension (Crank) Test, Relocation Test of
Jobe |
References |
Magee, David
J. (2002). Orthopedic Physical Assessment. Philadelphia,
PA: Elsevier. |
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