Physical Exam

Shoulder Apprehension Test

also known as Anterior apprehension test

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient supine or seated, the shoulder abducted to 90° and the elbow flexed to 90°, slowly and gently externally rotate the shoulder while supporting the arm. The test is positive when the patient develops apprehension or a sense that the shoulder is about to dislocate.

How to Interpret

Anterior Glenohumeral Instability

Positive apprehension test

Rule in

Very helpfulDerived CI

Rule out

Somewhat helpfulDerived CI

Evidence:Strong

Positive relocation (Jobe) test — apprehension/pain relieved by posteriorly directed pressure on the humeral head

Rule in

InconclusiveWide CI

Rule out

InconclusiveWide CI

Evidence:Strong

References

Hegedus EJ, Goode AP, Cook CE, Michener L, Myer CA, Myer DM, Wright AA. Which physical examination tests provide clinicians with the most value when examining the shoulder? Update of a systematic review with meta-analysis of individual tests. Br J Sports Med. 2012;46(14):964-978. PMID: 22773322.
Rowe CR, Zarins B. Recurrent transient subluxation of the shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1981;63(6):863-872.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.