clunk test, clunking, glenohumeral joint, labral tear, ortho, shoulder, special test

Purpose

A test to identify labral tears.

Technique

Patient is positioned in supine.

Clinician stands behind the patient facing her feet.

Clinician passively abducts the shoulder to end range.

Clinician uses one hand to grasp around the elbow while he makes a fist with his other hand and places it under the posterior humerus.

With his fist, the Clinician applies an anterior glide to the shoulder while he ER the shoulder with the other hand.

Positive

Production of a clunking sound or pain.

Interpretation

A positive test indicates a labral tear.

References

1. Dutton, M. (2008). Orthopaedic: Examination, evaluation, and intervention (2nd ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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