Orthopedic Exam / Special Tests for Physical Therapy: SHOULDER
Special Test: Wright’s Hyperabduction Test
PURPOSE:
To test for Neurovascular Compression (TOS) caused by the pectoralis minor.
Video Demo Instructions, Procedure, Positive Test:
Special Test: Wright’s Hyperabduction Test Video Demo (Procedure below)
Special Test: Wright’s Hyperabduction Test: PROCEDURE:
• Patient is seated
• Examiner passively abducts patient’s affected arm to 180°, then
slightly extend the arm.
• Examiner monitors patient’s radial pulse on the abducted
arm
Special Test: Wright’s Hyperabduction Test: POSITIVE SIGN:
- Patient’s symptoms reoccur (numbness, tingling in
hands and fingers) or; - The patient’s radial pulse diminishes.
The anatomical and clinical findings showed that passive abduction occurs within the glenohumeral joint only, is controlled by the inferior glenohumeral ligament and has a constant value in 95% of both shoulders in normal subjects. In patients with instability, 85% showed an RPA of over 105° with 90° in the contralateral shoulder. In the remaining patients a strongly positive apprehension test suggested a diagnosis of instability.
An RPA of more than 105° is associated with lengthening and laxity of the inferior glenohumeral ligament.
J Bone Joint Surg Br, Jan 2001; 83-B: 69 – 74.