Diagnosis of Anterior Glenohumeral Instability.

Last updated Friday, January 28, 2005

Diagnosis of atraumatic glenohumeral instability

The necessary and sufficient criteria for the diagosis of atraumatic glenohumeral instability are:

A. History

1. Functionally significant inability to keep the humeral head centered in the glenoid fossa, especially in positions not at the extremes of motion
2. Absence of mechanism of injury likely to tear glenohumeral ligaments or capsule
3. Spontaneous reduction of translations

B. Physical examination

1. Demonstration that certain glenohumeral translations duplicate the symptoms of concern to the patient
2. Diminished resistance to translation in multiple directions as compared to a normal glenohumeral joint

C. Radiographs

1. Absence of traumatic lesions

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

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