How To Test For Shoulder Instability With The Apprehension Test
Channel: 문영래 정형외과 병원
Date: 2012-10-23

The shoulder apprehension test, also known as the crank test, is a clinical test used to assess for anterior shoulder instability. It is a simple and quick test to perform, and it has a high sensitivity and specificity for detecting anterior shoulder instability.

To perform the shoulder apprehension test:

Have the patient lie in a supine position with the arm to be tested abducted to 90 degrees and externally rotated.
Apply a gentle anterior force to the patient's shoulder.
Ask the patient if they feel any apprehension or fear of dislocation.
A positive test is indicated by:

Pain
Apprehension or fear of dislocation
Muscle guarding
Resistance to the examiner's force
If the test is positive, it is important to note the following:

The degree of external rotation at which the patient experiences apprehension
The quality of the patient's pain (e.g., sharp, dull, aching)
Any other associated symptoms (e.g., clicking, popping, instability)