ANTERIOR DRAWER TEST

​• ​Test positioning

The client lies supine with the glenohumeral joint positioned at the edge of the table.

The therapist stands next to the involved shoulder, placing one hand around the humerus below the surgical neck.

The other hand stabilizes the scapula by placing the fingers behind the client on the spine of the scapula and the thumb over the coracoid process.

​• ​Action

The client must remain relaxed while the therapist passively abducts the glenohumeral joint 70 to 80-degrees, forward flexes 0 to 10-degrees, and externally rotates 0 to 10-degrees.

While stabilizing the scapula, the therapist firmly glides the head of the humerus anteriorly while applying slight distraction to the glenohumeral joint.

​• ​Positive finding

Increased anterior translation of the humeral head relative to the scapula/glenoid fossa may be indicative of anterior instability.

The client may exhibit apprehension if the test is positive. A bilateral comparison should be used for a more accurate assessment.

The Anterior Drawer Test for the shoulder is influenced by the work of Dr. James Cyriax and Dr. Don O'Donoghue, whose contributions to orthopedic assessment and joint stability have been significant.