Physical Examination of Shoulder Instability

Kim,  Jae Hwa

doi:2008.11.1.1

Clin Shoulder Elbow > Volume 11(1); 2008 > Article

Review

Journal of the Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society 2008;11(1):1-5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5397/CiSE.2008.11.1.001 Published online June 30, 2008.

Physical Examination of Shoulder Instability

Jae Hwa Kim

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bundang CHA Hospital, College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University, Sung-Nam, Korea. drjkim@dreamwiz.com

견관절 불안정성에 대한 이학적 검사

김 재 화

포천중문 의과대학교 분당 차병원 정형외과학교실

Abstract

Shoulder instability is generally diagnosed from a detailed history, physical examination and various radiological studies. Although, a physical examination is essential for making a diagnosis, it is quite difficult. For a precise physical examination, a thorough anatomical knowledge and a great deal of experience is needed. In addition, normal translation and pathologic laxity should be differentiated. An anatomical and biomechanical understanding of a stable and unstable shoulder joint and a precise physical examination are needed to determine the direction and extent of the instability as well as to diagnose the associated lesions and improve the surgical results.

Key Words: Shoulder; Instability; Physical examination