Load And Shift Test
Other Names
- Load and Shift Test
- Posterior Load and Shift Test
- Anterior Load and Shift Test
- Load-and-Shift Test
- Load Shift Test
- Glenohumeral Load and Shift Test
- Shoulder Load and Shift Test
- Anterior–Posterior Glide Test
- Humeral Head Translation Test
- Glenohumeral Translation Test
- Shoulder Translation Test
Purpose
- Assess the glenohumeral joint for anterior and posterior instability
Description
- Patient can be seated or supine
- Arm is slightly abducted
- Examiner stabilizes scapula and grasps the humeral head with the other hand
- The examiner then applies anterior and posterior forces in a "load and shift" manner
- Positive test
- Excessive laxity
- Normal translation is up to 25%
Pathology
- Glenohumeral Instability
- Capsular Laxity
- Glenoid Labrum Tears
Evidence
Need to clarify what patholog
- Cleland et al[4]
- Sensitivity: 90%
- Specificity: 85%
- LR+: 6
- LR-: -0.12
- Tzannes et al[5]
- Anterior Instability Sensitivity: 50%
- Posterior Instability Sensitivity: 14%
- Overall Specificity: 100%
Anterior Glenohumeral Instability
- Lizzio et al when combined with Anterior Apprehension Test[6]
- Sensitivitiy: 94%
See Also
References
- ↑ Goldenberg, Brandon T., et al. "Comprehensive review of the physical exam for glenohumeral instability." The Physician and Sportsmedicine 48.2 (2020): 142-150.
- ↑ Image courtesy of clinicalgate.com
- ↑ Irlenbusch, Ulrich. "Examination Techniques of the Shoulder Joint Expert Evaluation Based on the Literature Analysis." OBERE EXTREMITAET-SCHULTER-ELLENBOGEN-HAND-UPPER EXTREMITY-SHOULDER ELBOW HAND 7 (2012): 3-67.
- ↑ Cleland J. Orthopedic Clinical Examination: An Evidence-Based Approach for Physical Therapists. Carlstadt, NJ: Icon Learning Systems; 2005.
- ↑ Tzannes, Anthony, and George AC Murrell. "Clinical examination of the unstable shoulder." Sports Medicine 32.7 (2002): 447-457.
- ↑ Lizzio, Vincent A., et al. "Clinical evaluation and physical exam findings in patients with anterior shoulder instability." Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine 10.4 (2017): 434-441.
Created by:
John Kiel on 5 August 2019 00:21:14
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Last edited:
1 February 2026 19:55:58
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