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Clinical Evaluation and Physical Exam Findings in Patients with Anterior Shoulder Instability

  • Management of Anterior Shoulder Instability (X Li, section editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

The goal of this paper is to provide an overview in evaluating the patient with suspected or known anteroinferior glenohumeral instability.

Recent findings

There is a high rate of recurrent subluxations or dislocations in young patients with history of anterior shoulder dislocation, and recurrent instability will increase likelihood of further damage to the glenohumeral joint. Proper identification and treatment of anterior shoulder instability can dramatically reduce the rate of recurrent dislocation and prevent subsequent complications. Overall, the anterior release or surprise test demonstrates the best sensitivity and specificity for clinically diagnosing anterior shoulder instability, although other tests also have favorable sensitivities, specificities, positive likelihood ratios, negative likelihood ratios, and inter-rater reliabilities.

Summary

Anterior shoulder instability is a relatively common injury in the young and athletic population. The combination of history and performing apprehension, relocation, release or surprise, anterior load, and anterior drawer exam maneuvers will optimize sensitivity and specificity for accurately diagnosing anterior shoulder instability in clinical practice.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA

    Vincent A. Lizzio & Fabien Meta

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, 2799 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA

    Mohsin Fidai & Eric C. Makhni

Authors
  1. Vincent A. Lizzio
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  2. Fabien Meta
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Correspondence to Eric C. Makhni.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Management of Anterior Shoulder Instability

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Lizzio, V.A., Meta, F., Fidai, M. et al. Clinical Evaluation and Physical Exam Findings in Patients with Anterior Shoulder Instability. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 10, 434–441 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-017-9434-3

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