Inferior Sulcus Test

Purpose[edit | edit source]

The sulcus test is used to assess the glenohumeral joint for inferior instability, due to laxity of the superior glenohumeral ligament and coracohumeral ligament.[1][2]

Technique[edit | edit source]

The patient sits upright with their shoulder in neutral (0 degrees rotation). The examiner then pulls the distal part of the humerus in a caudal direction[3][4]. The test is considered positive when the subacromial space is more than 1cm[3].

Evidence[edit | edit source]

The sulcus test has been shown to have significant between tester differences and has moderate reliability (κ 0.43)[3]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Tzannes, A., Murrell, G. (2002). Clinical examination of the unstable shoulder. Journal of Sports Medicine. 32(7):447-57.
  2. Tzannes A, Murrell GA. Clinical examination of the unstable shoulder. Sports Medicine. 2002 Jun;32:447-57.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Eshoj H, Ingwersen KG, Larsen CM, Kjaer BH, Juul-Kristensen B. Intertester reliability of clinical shoulder instability and laxity tests in subjects with and without self-reported shoulder problems. BMJ open. 2018 Mar 1;8(3):e018472.
  4. Dutton, M. (2008). Orthopaedic: Examination, evaluation, and intervention (2nd ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.