Which special test assesses the stability of the shoulder joint?

The Apprehension Test is specifically designed to assess the stability of the shoulder joint, particularly in cases of anterior shoulder instability. During this test, the patient is placed in a position that places stress on the shoulder joint, typically with the arm in abduction and external rotation. If the patient exhibits signs of apprehension or discomfort, it suggests that the shoulder may be prone to dislocation or instability in that position.

The Sulcus Sign Test, while also related to stability, focuses more specifically on inferior instability by checking for a gap between the humeral head and the acromion when a downward force is applied to the arm. The Hawkins-Kennedy Test and the Neer Test are primarily used to assess impingement of the shoulder rather than its stability. In contrast, the Apprehension Test directly evaluates the functional stability of the shoulder under conditions that may lead to dislocation, making it the most relevant choice for assessing shoulder joint stability.