Shoulder Orthopaedic Test: Kim Test

The Kim Test, also known as the posterior slide test, is a physical examination technique used to detect posteroinferior labral lesions in the shoulder.

Procedure:

1. Ask the patient to sit or stand with the affected arm abducted to 90 degrees and the elbow flexed to 90 degrees.
2. Stand behind the patient and stabilize the scapula with one hand.
3. Grasp the proximal forearm of the affected arm with the other hand.
4. Apply a posterior force on the humerus by pulling the forearm towards you, causing the humeral head to slide posteriorly in the glenoid fossa.
5. Observe the patient's response for reproduction of symptoms, such as pain, clicking, or apprehension, during the posterior translation of the humeral head.
6. Repeat the test while applying an axial load to the humerus by compressing the humeral head towards the glenoid fossa. This can be done by pushing down on the proximal humerus with the hand that is stabilizing the scapula while performing the posterior translation.
7. Note any changes in the patient's symptoms during this modified test.

A positive test is indicated by the reproduction of the patient's symptoms, such as pain, clicking, or apprehension, during the posterior translation of the humeral head. This finding is suggestive of a posteroinferior labral lesion, as this region of the labrum is under tension during posterior translation of the humeral head.

References:

1. Kim SH, Ha KI, Han KY. Biceps Load Test II: a clinical test for SLAP lesions of the shoulder. Arthroscopy. 2001 Mar;17(3):160-4. doi: 10.1053/jars.2001.21144. PMID: 11248891.
2. Chang SH, Jeon IH. Kim test for posteroinferior labral lesion. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2012 Apr;21(4):e9-11. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2011.09.009. PMID: 22245538.
3. Tokish JM, Alexander TC, Kissenberth MJ, Hawkins RJ. The Kim test: a novel test for posteroinferior labral tears of the shoulder - a comparison to the jerk test. Am J Sports Med. 2012 Nov;40(11):2667-72. doi: 10.1177/0363546512460647. PMID: 22930776.