Which orthopedic test is also known as the shoulder active compression test?

Which orthopedic test is also known as the shoulder active compression test?

• A. O'Brien's
• B. Mazion
• C. Empty Can
• D. Lift-off

Answer: (A)

This test targets the labrum of the shoulder, specifically looking for SLAP lesions, by using an active compression maneuver to stress the superior labrum while differentiating it from AC joint pain. In practice, the arm is flexed to about 90 degrees, held across the chest with a slight adduction, and the forearm is internally rotated so the thumb points downward. The patient resists a downward force from the examiner. If pain is felt deep inside the shoulder during this first (pronated) position, the test is then repeated with the forearm supinated (palm up). A positive SLAP sign is when pain worsens with the internally rotated position and improves or disappears with supination. If pain remains localized to the AC joint regardless of forearm position, it points away from a SLAP tear and toward AC joint involvement. That combination of provocative resistance with two forearm positions is what gives this test its name—the shoulder active compression test—making it the classic O'Brien’s test. The other tests mentioned probe different structures (for example, the supraspinatus or subscapularis) and do not evaluate the labrum in this same way.

This test targets the labrum of the shoulder, specifically looking for SLAP lesions, by using an active compression maneuver to stress the superior labrum while differentiating it from AC joint pain.

In practice, the arm is flexed to about 90 degrees, held across the chest with a slight adduction, and the forearm is internally rotated so the thumb points downward. The patient resists a downward force from the examiner. If pain is felt deep inside the shoulder during this first (pronated) position, the test is then repeated with the forearm supinated (palm up). A positive SLAP sign is when pain worsens with the internally rotated position and improves or disappears with supination. If pain remains localized to the AC joint regardless of forearm position, it points away from a SLAP tear and toward AC joint involvement.

That combination of provocative resistance with two forearm positions is what gives this test its name—the shoulder active compression test—making it the classic O'Brien’s test. The other tests mentioned probe different structures (for example, the supraspinatus or subscapularis) and do not evaluate the labrum in this same way.