Posterior Drawer Test of the Shoulder
Other Names
- Posterior Shoulder Drawer Test
- Posterior Drawer Test
- Shoulder Posterior Drawer Test
- Posterior Drawer Test of the Shoulder
Purpose
- Evaluate the posterior aspect of the Glenoid Labrum as a cause of shoulder pain or other symptoms
- First Gerber and Ganz in 1984[2]
Description
Description
- The patient is positioned seated or supine
- The examiner stabilizes the scapula while grasping the proximal humerus
- A posteriorly directed force is applied to the humeral head
- Positive Test
- Excessive translation, apprehension, pain, or a sensation of subluxation
- The amount of posterior translation is compared with the contralateral shoulder.
Alternative Description
- The patient is supine
- Grasp wrist with one hand and provide anterior traction to arm
- Grasp humeral head with other hand
- Apply posterior force onto humeral head
- Positive test
- Humeral head subluxation posteriorly or pain
Pathology
Evidence
Posterior Laxity/instability
- Watson et al[3]
- Sensitivity: 42%
- Specificity: 92%
See Also
References
- ↑ Image courtesy of https://musculoskeletalkey.com/, "Instability and Laxity"
- ↑ Gerber, Christian, and R. E. I. N. H. O. L. D. Ganz. "Clinical assessment of instability of the shoulder. With special reference to anterior and posterior drawer tests." The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume 66.4 (1984): 551-556.
- ↑ Watson, Lyn, et al. "Posterior shoulder instability in tennis players: aetiology, classification, assessment and management." International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy 18.3 (2023): 769.
Created by:
John Kiel on 13 April 2022 10:49:46
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Last edited:
4 June 2026 01:28:51
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