Shoulder Orthopaedic Test: Jerk Test
Jun 10, 2023The Jerk test is a physical examination maneuver used to detect posteroinferior instability of the glenohumeral joint. This test involves a sudden and forceful posteriorly directed force applied to the patient's arm while it is held in a position of abduction and external rotation.
Here is a step-by-step procedure for performing the Jerk test:
- Ask the patient to sit or stand with their arm at their side.
- Grasp the patient's forearm with one hand and the upper arm with the other hand.
- Passively abduct the patient's arm to 90 degrees and externally rotate it to the point of pain or apprehension.
- Apply a sudden and forceful posteriorly directed force to the patient's arm.
- Observe the patient's response to the maneuver, looking for a sudden jerk or clunk sensation as the humeral head subluxates posteriorly and then relocates back into the glenoid fossa.
If a sudden jerk or clunk sensation is felt during the Jerk test, it may suggest posteroinferior instability of the glenohumeral joint.
References:
- Hawkins RJ, Jobe FW, Kvitne RS, et al. The posterior impingement sign: comparison with established shoulder impingement signs. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1992;1(4):238-243. doi: 10.1016/s1058-2746(09)80057-4
- Jobe FW, Giangarra CE, Kvitne RS. Shoulder pain in the overhand or throwing athlete: the relationship of anterior instability and rotator cuff impingement. Orthop Rev. 1986;15(6):361-367.
- Kim SH, Ha KI, Han KY, Kim YS. Biceps load test II: a clinical test for SLAP lesions of the shoulder. Arthroscopy. 2001;17(2):160-164. doi: 10.1053/jars.2001.19747
- Lee SB, Kim KJ, O'Driscoll SW, Morrey BF, An KN. Dynamic glenohumeral stability provided by the rotator cuff muscles in the mid-range and end-range of motion. A study in cadavera. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2000;82(6):849-857. doi: 10.2106/00004623-200006000-00011
- Yergason RM. Supination sign. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1931;13(2):375-380.
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