Which instability does the Push-Pull test identify?

• A. Posterior instability; >50% posterior translation or pain
• B. Anterior instability; pain with overhead reach
• C. Inferior instability; 1 finger gap
• D. Superior instability; slump

Answer: (A)

Push-Pull test targets posterior glenohumeral instability. During the test you apply a posterior-directed force to the humeral head while assessing how far it translates back in the socket and whether pain is produced. A positive result—more than half of the humeral head translating posteriorly or pain on posterior translation—signals posterior instability from capsulolabral laxity or posterior structures being compromised.

This differs from anterior instability signs, which relate to anterior translation and apprehension rather than posterior movement. Inferior instability is typically evaluated by a sulcus-type test measuring a gutter or gap, not a 50% posterior translation criterion, and the slump test is used for neural tension rather than joint instability.