Journal of the Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society  2008;11(1):1-5

Physical Examination of Shoulder Instability.

Jae Hwa KIM 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

Shoulder; Instability; Physical examination

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Shoulder instability is generally diagnosed from a detailed history, physical examination and various radiological studies. Although, a physical examination is essential for making a diagnosis, it is quite difficult. For a precise physical examination, a thorough anatomical knowledge and a great deal of experience is needed. In addition, normal translation and pathologic laxity should be differentiated. An anatomical and biomechanical understanding of a stable and unstable shoulder joint and a precise physical examination are needed to determine the direction and extent of the instability as well as to diagnose the associated lesions and improve the surgical results.