Which shoulder test is used to assess inferior glenohumeral laxity, indicated by a sulcus sign?

Which shoulder test is used to assess inferior glenohumeral laxity, indicated by a sulcus sign?

• A. Lift Off Test
• B. Sulcus sign with Load and Shift
• C. Mazion shoulder maneuver
• D. Empty Can Test

Answer: (B)

The key idea is evaluating inferior laxity of the glenohumeral joint, which shows up as a sulcus beneath the acromion when the arm is trended downward. The sulcus sign with load and shift is the test that directly probes that type of laxity: you stabilize the scapula, apply downward traction on the arm to create a sulcus, and add a load/shift to gauge how far the humeral head can translate inferiorly. This combination lets you observe and grade the amount of inferior translation, which is what indicates laxity. Other tests in the list assess different structures or types of instability. Lift Off targets subscapularis function, Empty Can evaluates supraspinatus pathology, and Mazion shoulder maneuver is used for other aspects of shoulder stability rather than specifically inferior laxity.

The key idea is evaluating inferior laxity of the glenohumeral joint, which shows up as a sulcus beneath the acromion when the arm is trended downward. The sulcus sign with load and shift is the test that directly probes that type of laxity: you stabilize the scapula, apply downward traction on the arm to create a sulcus, and add a load/shift to gauge how far the humeral head can translate inferiorly. This combination lets you observe and grade the amount of inferior translation, which is what indicates laxity.

Other tests in the list assess different structures or types of instability. Lift Off targets subscapularis function, Empty Can evaluates supraspinatus pathology, and Mazion shoulder maneuver is used for other aspects of shoulder stability rather than specifically inferior laxity.