Shoulder
Labral Injuries
Evidence: confirmed
Crank Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Labral Tears (SLAP).
How to Perform
- Position: Arm abducted 160° in the scapular plane.
- Action: Apply axial load (pushing arm into socket) while internally and externally rotating the arm.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Pain, clicking, or catching.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 46%
- Specificity: 56%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Crank Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Shoulder region, combining the Crank Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
