Sulcus Sign

Special Test for Inferior Capsular Laxity

Authors
Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Technique

It is performed with the shoulder adducted to the side while axial traction is applied to the arm creating a void under the acromion1

Grading

  • A sulcus sign can be present in typical individuals1
  • A sulcus of >2cm is more severe and likely represents pathologic laxity
    • If the maneuver recreates the patient’s sx, this is even more indicative of pathologic laxity1

Interpretation

  • Inferior joint laxity
    • Specifically the capsule

References

1.
Johnson DJ, Tadi P. Multidirectional Shoulder Instability. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Accessed April 21, 2024. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557726/

Citation

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