How is the Apprehension test performed?

• A. Standing with arm adducted
• B. Seated with arm overhead
• C. Supine, abduct shoulder to 90°, then externally rotate
• D. Prone with arm behind back

Answer: (C)

The Apprehension test checks for anterior shoulder instability by placing the shoulder in a position that stresses the anterior structures and can provoke fear of dislocation. With the patient supine, the shoulder is moved to 90 degrees of abduction and the elbow is flexed, then the examiner slowly externally rotates the arm. If this motion elicits apprehension or guarding—the patient looks wary and may tense up as if a dislocation is imminent—the test is considered positive, suggesting laxity or a prior instability of the anterior glenohumeral joint. This specific position (abduction to 90 degrees with external rotation) places the humeral head against the anterior rim of the glenoid, testing the integrity of the anterior capsule and ligaments. The other positions don’t place the head in that vulnerable anterior position, so they don’t reliably reproduce the apprehension response.