What condition does the Posterior Apprehension Test primarily indicate?

• A. Posterior Instability
• B. Anterior Instability
• C. AC joint sprain
• D. Coracoid impingement

Answer: (A)

The test is designed to assess posterior instability of the glenohumeral joint. By placing the arm in about 90 degrees of abduction and 90 degrees of elbow flexion, then applying a posterior translation to the humeral head while stabilizing the scapula, you look for apprehension or a sense that the shoulder may dislocate. A positive response is when the patient becomes apprehensive or there is pain, indicating that the humeral head is unstable or prone to posterior shift, often due to a compromised posterior capsule/ligaments or a posterior labral injury.

This does not evaluate anterior instability (that would involve anterior-directed tests), nor does it target the AC joint (that would show localized AC joint pain or exam findings like a piano-key sign after cross-body loading), or coracoid impingement (which is related to impingement symptoms with specific arm positions and internal rotation).