Apprehension, relocation, and release tests for the shoulder

These tests work in combination and are most easily performed with the patient supine. For the apprehension test, the symptomatic arm is placed in the throwing position (shoulder abducted and externally rotated). Next, the clinician braces the posterior shoulder with one hand while using the other hand to push back on the wrist with steady pressure, thereby increasing the abduction and external rotation of the shoulder. Any sensation of impending dislocation at any time constitutes a positive test. The relocation immediately follows the apprehension test and is performed by simply reversing the forces being exerted by the examiner. Forced abduction and external rotation are stopped, and the clinician moves the hand that was bracing the posterior shoulder to the anterior shoulder. The examiner then pushes the humerus posteriorly. The resolution of either pain or the sensation of impending dislocation on the part of the patient represents a positive test. The release test is performed at the end of the relocation test when the clinician abruptly stops pushing the humerus posteriorly. Any sensation of impending dislocation on the part of the patient constitutes a positive test.