Shoulder Instability Apprehension Relocation Test - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim

Dr. Ebraheim's animated educational video describing the Apprehension / Relocation Test - Should Instability.
This test is used to determine if the patient has anterior instability of the shoulder. The test is performed on a patient with shoulder pain and a history of chronic anterior shoulder dislocation to determine shoulder instability and possibly the presence of a labral tear.
The Apprehension Test is done with the patient’s arm in a position where the shoulder may easily dislocate, which is abduction and external rotation. When the patient’s arm is In the position of abduction and external rotation, the patient will have the sense of instability of the shoulder. These patients will have a noticeable look or apprehension on their face and will not allow anymore motion of the shoulder. This test is similar to the patellar apprehension tests that is used to diagnose patellar pathology.
Patella apprehension test
With the finger placed on the patella medially, try to push the patella laterally. If this casues pain and apprehension, then the test is considered positive.
How is the relocation test performed?
The examiner will apply a posterior force onto the humeral head. The patient will experience reduction of the humeral head and at this point the patient will have relief of pain. This will reduce or eliminate the sense of shoulder instability.
Apprehension component: Arm is placed into abduction and external rotation. The patient show apprehension and resists further movement.
Relocation component: push on the humeral head posteriorly, reducing or eliminating the sense of instability of the shoulder.

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