Relief of symptoms during the relocation test supports the presence of what?

• A. Anterior instability with a positive apprehension test
• B. Posterior instability
• C. AC joint pathology
• D. Medial collateral ligament injury

Answer: (A)

Relief of symptoms with the relocation maneuver points to anterior instability of the glenohumeral joint. In this test, the arm is placed in a position that can provoke anterior dislocation if the joint is lax in that direction. By applying a posteriorly directed force on the humeral head, the clinician reduces the potential anterior translation, which often alleviates pain and apprehension. That improvement supports an anterior instability pattern rather than problems from the posterior direction, AC joint pathology, or injuries to ligaments outside the glenohumeral joint.