What indicates a positive result in the Glenoid Labrum Tear Test?

A positive result in the Glenoid Labrum Tear Test is indicated by a clunk or grinding sound. This test is designed to assess the integrity of the glenoid labrum in the shoulder joint. When the test is performed, if a clunk or grinding sensation is felt or heard, it suggests that there may be a tear in the labrum. This can occur when the labrum is disrupted, which affects the stability of the shoulder joint and may cause abnormal shoulder mechanics.

The presence of a clunk or grinding sound points to the presence of loose fragments of the labrum or other structures within the joint, which is indicative of a labral tear. Physical therapists look for this specific auditory or tactile feedback as part of the assessment for shoulder injuries.

In contrast, while sharp pain may be associated with various types of shoulder injuries, it is not specific to labral tears and does not confirm the presence of a tear. Weakness of the arms might occur due to a variety of shoulder pathologies but is not a direct indicator of a labral tear itself. Increased laxity may suggest joint instability but does not specifically indicate the presence of a tear in the labrum. Therefore, the sound or sensation of a clunk during the test is