Test: Hyperabduction Test

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Anatomical and clinical findings show that passive abduction occurs within the glenohumeral joint only, is controlled by the inferior glenohumeral ligament and has a constant value in 95% of both shoulders in normal subjects. In patients with instability, 85% showed an range of passive abduction (RPA) of over 105° with 90° in the contralateral shoulder. In the remaining patients a strongly positive apprehension test suggested a diagnosis of instability. An RPA of more than 105° is associated with lengthening and laxity of the inferior glenohumeral ligament.

Procedure

The clinician stands behind the patient with their forearm pushed down firmly on the shoulder girdle in its lowest position, while lifting the relaxed upper limb in abduction with his other hand. During the test, the elbow was flexed at 90° and the forearm was horizontal.
This maneuver can also be used with monitoring the radial pulse and looking for a decrease in pulse amplitude. Under these circumstances the shoulder girdle should not move. Any movement is recorded with a goniometer.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Inferior pressure on an abducted shoulder.

Criteria

• No inferior movement

Measurement

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail