FEAGIN TEST: SHOULDER SPECIAL TEST

Описание: The Feagin test is a physical examination maneuver used to assess the inferior and anteroinferior stability of the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint, particularly the integrity of the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex. It is often considered a follow-up or a variation of the sulcus sign test, performed with the arm in a different position.

Patient: The patient is best tested when relaxed, either in a sitting or standing position.
Examiner: The clinician stands facing the patient's affected side. The patient's arm is abducted to 90 degrees, with their elbow extended and resting on the examiner's shoulder for support.
Technique: The examiner places their hands, clasped together, over the upper third of the patient's humerus. The examiner then applies an inferiorly and slightly anteriorly directed force through the humerus while palpating the area between the acromion and the humeral head.

It is crucial that the patient's shoulder muscles remain relaxed during the test for an accurate assessment. A test is considered positive if any of the following are observed compared to the unaffected side: A sense of apprehension or pain is felt by the patient, indicating potential instability.
There is a noticeable or increased amount of anterior and/or inferior translation (displacement) of the humeral head.
A sulcus (a visible dip or gap) appears above the coracoid process or below the acromion.

A positive Feagin test suggests anteroinferior instability or insufficiency of the inferior glenohumeral ligament.

If both the Feagin test and the general sulcus sign (performed with the arm at the side) are positive, it is a stronger indication of multidirectional instability.

The mere presence of laxity (excessive translation) bilaterally in asymptomatic individuals may not be clinically significant unless it reproduces the patient's specific symptoms (e.g., a feeling that the shoulder is "going to pop out" during activity).