relocation test

relocation test

a test for anterior shoulder instability; the supine patient's humerus is abducted and rotated externally against the table edge as a fulcrum; patients with anterior stability loss become apprehensive with pressure; however, the apprehension is relieved when posteriorly directed pressure is placed on the humerus (that is, allowing the humeral head to relocate).

relocation test

Orthopedics A 'provocative' joint laxity test used clinically to diagnose shoulder instability. See Provocative test, Shoulder instability. Cf Laxity test.

re·lo·ca·tion test

(rē'lō-kā'shŭn test) A test for anterior shoulder instability; the supine patient's humerus is abducted and rotated externally against the table edge as a fulcrum; patients with anterior stability loss become apprehensive with pressure. Synonym(s): Fowler test.

relocation test

A clinical test to identify the presence of anterior glenohumeral instability. The patient is placed supine, the glenohumeral joint abducted to 90° with the elbow flexed to 90°. While maintaining a posteriorly directed pressure on the humeral head, the examiner externally rotates the humerus. The test is used only after a positive apprehension test for glenohumeral instability. A positive relocation test is marked by decreased apprehension and pain, and increased range of motion relative to the apprehension test. See: sudden release test