Apprehension and Relocation Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Anterior Instability.
How to Perform
- Apprehension: Supine, Abduct 90°, Externally Rotate. Look for fear/guarding.
- Relocation: Apply posterior force to humeral head. Look for relief.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Apprehension reduced by relocation force.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 68-88%
- Specificity: 50-100%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Apprehension and Relocation Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Shoulder region, combining the Apprehension and Relocation Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
