Passive compression test
Original Editor - Kevin Savage
Top Contributors - Pacifique Dusabeyezu, Admin, Kevin Savage, Tony Lowe, Kim Jackson, Evan Thomas, Oyemi Sillo, Naomi O'Reilly, Sweta Christian, Kai A. Sigel, WikiSysop, Claire Knott and Wanda van Niekerk
Purpose
The Passive Compression Test is a provocation test used to determine if there is a Superior Labral Anterior Posterior(SLAP) lesion. This maneuver involves passive external rotation and compressing the humeral head onto the glenoid, hence it is named the "passive compression test."[1][2]
Technique
The test is performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position, lying on the unaffected side. The examiner places the arm in 30 degrees of Abduction and then passively externally rotates the arm while pushing it proximally and extending the shoulder. This results in compression of the superior labrum onto the glenoid. The patient is advised to remain relaxed during this maneuver. A positive test result is indicated by eliciting pain or a painful click in the glenohumeral joint[2][1].
Evidence
Based on a study by Kim, et al[2], the passive compression test does have high sensitivity (82%) and good specificity (86%), and a fairly strong positive (5.727) and negative (.212) likelihood ratio. However, it should still be used in conjunction with other SLAP tests to more accurately determine if there is a labral lesion.
Resources
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Hanchard NCA, Lenza M, Handoll HHG, Takwoingi Y. Physical tests for shoulder impingements and local lesions of bursa, tendon or labrum that may accompany impingement. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD007427.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Kim WS, Kim JH, Ha KY, Joo MW, Chung YG.The Passive Compression Test: a new clinical test for superior labral tears of the shoulder. Am J Sports Med. 2007:35(9):1489-1494.
- ↑ bbmccabe. Passive Compression Test. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5KKnfGk_CA [last accessed 18/7/2024]