Shoulder Instability Tests Orthoteers

Description: Shoulder Instability Tests From University of Washington
Laxity Tests
* These tests examine the amount of translation allowed by the shoulder starting from positions where the ligaments are normally loose.
* These are tests of laxity, not tests for instability : Many normally stable shoulders, such as those of gymnasts, will demonstrate substantial translation on these laxity tests even though they are asymptomatic.
* The amount of translation on laxity testing is determined by the length of the capsule and ligaments as well as by the starting position (i.e. more anterior laxity will be noted if the arm is examined in internal rotation - which relaxes the anterior structures, than if it is examined in external rotation - which tightens the anterior structures).
* Use the contralateral shoulder as an example of what is 'normal' for the patient.