The posterior apprehension test is used to detect a poster dislocation or instability of the shoulder. A positive test doesn’t always mean there is a dislocation, and a negative doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t one.
To perform the posterior apprehension test, have the patient lie down in supine. Flex the shoulder to 90 degrees while stabilizing the scapula with the other hand. Apply a posterior force on the patient’s elbow. Then horizontally adduct and medially rotate the arm. A positive test is pain or apprehension.
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