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Shoulder apprehension test

System: Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs · All muscles, bones & joints signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

With the patient lying down, the arm is taken into abduction and outward rotation; the patient becomes anxious and resists, fearing the shoulder will dislocate.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with anterior shoulder instability after dislocation.

Related signs — Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs

Adam's forward bend testAdson's testAnterior drawer testApley's grind testBarlow testBouchard's nodes

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.