Dynamic Labral Shear Test | SLAP Lesions | Shoulder Assessment

The Dynamic Labral Shear Test is an orthopedic test to assess for SLAP lesions / the superior biceps labrum complex in the shoulder.

According to a study done by Sodha et al. (2017), the dynamic labral shear test has a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 51% in isolated SLAP lesions and a lower sensitivity of 57% and a specificity of 52% in patients with concomitant SLAP lesions. The clinical use of this test, especially in the concomitant group is therefore rated as low.

To perform the dynamic labral shear test, stand behind your patient and hold his affected arm at the wrist with one hand, while you apply an anteriorly directed force on the proximal humerus near the joint line with the other hand. Then elevate the patient’s arm to 150°.

This test is considered positive for a SLAP lesion if the patient reports pain or the examiner feels a click in the patient’s posterior joint line between 90° to 120° of elevation.

21 OF THE MOST USEFUL ORTHOPAEDIC TESTS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

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Other orthopedic tests to assess biceps pathology & SLAP lesions are:

• Active Compression Test of O’Brien
• Yergason’s Test
• Biceps Load I Test
• Biceps Load II Test
• 3-Pack Examination
• Crank Test
• Passive Distraction Test
• Labral Tension Test
• Upper Cut Test
• Supine Flexion Resistance Test
• Compression Rotation Test
• Anterior Slide Test
• Speeds Test
• Passive Compression Test
• Resisted Supine External Rotation Test

Sodha, S., Srikumaran, U., Choi, K., Borade, A. U., & McFarland, E. G. (2017). Clinical assessment of the dynamic labral shear test for superior labrum anterior and posterior lesions. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(4), 775-781.