Passive compression test

Purpose[edit | edit source]

The Passive Compression Test is a provocation test used to determine if there is a Superior Labral Anterior Posterior lesion.

Technique[edit | edit source]

The patient starts in sidelying on the uninvolved 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.

[1]

Evidence[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Physiotutors. Passive Compression Test | SLAP Lesions. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2n0Mu9BmEA
  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.