Posterior Drawer Test Shoulder

Position:
Supine

Performance:
Step 1
While standing at the patients shoulder level, examiner grasps patients proximal forearm with one hand, flexing elbow to 120 degrees, shoulder abduction to 80-120 degrees and forward flexion (shoulder) 20-30 degrees. With other hand examiner stabilizes patients scapula with index and middle fingers on the spine of the scapula and thumb on corocoid process.

Step 2
Examiner rotates the upper arm medially and forward flexes the shoulder to 60-80 degrees. At the same time places the thumb from corocoid process to head of the humerus and applies posterior pressure. Head of he humerus can be felt by the index and middle fingers.

Positive:
Significant posterior translation ( >50% humeral head diameter) indicates a positive test.
Note: Although test is usually pain free the signs of apprehension may be shown.