Jobes Relocation Test

Purpose[edit | edit source]

The purpose of the Jobe Relocation Test[1] (also referred to as the Fowler Sign) is to test for anterior instability of the glenohumeral joint.

Technique[edit | edit source]

This test is extremely similar in nature to the Apprehension Test, and is often administered after the Apprehension Test, to investigate a positive result.  The patient is positioned supine, with the elbow flexed to 90 degrees and abducted to 90 degrees.  The therapist then applies an external rotation force to the shoulder, if the patient reports apprehension in any way, the Apprehension Test is considered to be positive.  At this point, the therapist may apply a posteriorly directed force to the shoulder - if the patient's apprehension or pain is reduced in this position, the Jobe Relocation Test is considered to be positive[2].  It is important to note that the therapist should always bring the arm back into a neutral position before releasing the relocation force (posterior glide of the head of the humerus) for risk of shoulder dislocation.

If the patient's symptoms decrease or are eliminated when performing the Jobe Relocation Test, the possible diagnoses include: glenohumeral instability, subluxation, dislocation or impingement.

If the apprehension predominated when performing the Crank Test and disappears with the Jobe Relocation Test, the diagnosis can include a pseudolaxity ot anterior instability of the GH joint, or potentially the scapulothoracic joint. It is important to also consider a secondary impingement or a posterior SLAP labral legion.

Test Accuracy / Reliability / Evidence:[edit | edit source]

Sensitivity and Specificity & Likelihood Ratio:[3]

Sensitivity = 0.30 (the ability of the test to rule a diagnosis IN, also understood as the true positive rate)

Specificity = 0.90 (the ability of the test to rule a diagnosis OUT, also understood as the true negative rate)

+LR = 3.0. (sensitivity / 1- specificity)

– LR = 0.77 (1- sensitivity / specificity)

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Jobe FW, Kvitne RS, Giangarra CE: Shoulder pain in the overhand or throwing athlete: The relationship of anterior instability and rotator cuff impingement. Orthop Rev 18: 963–975,1989.
  2. Dutton, M. (2008). Orthopaedic: Examination, evaluation, and intervention (2nd ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
  3. Farber AJ, Castillo R, Clough M, et al: Clinical assessment of three common tests for traumatic anterior shoulder instability. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006; 88: pp. 1467-1474.