CLUNK TEST

​• ​Test positioning

The client lies supine on a table.

The therapist places one hand on the posterior aspect of the client's humeral head and the other hand proximal to the client's elbow joint along the distal humerus.

​• ​Action

The therapist passively abducts and externally rotates the client's arm overhead and applies an anterior force to the humerus (The therapist may also choose to internally rotate the humerus at the same time the anterior force is being applied).

The therapist then circumducts the humeral head around the glenoid labrum.

​• ​Positive finding

A positive finding of a grinding or clunking sensation may be indicative of a glenoid labrum tear.

​• ​Special considerations & comments

The client may appear to have a positive test or even show apprehension in this position if an underlying anterior and/or inferior instability of the glenohumeral joint exists.

This test is most appropriate for assessing superior labral tears since the inferior portion of the labrum is not in contact with the humeral head while the humerus is positioned in full abduction and external rotation.

Due to the nature of this anatomical positioning, it is quite possible to experience a false negative test if the subject has an inferior labral tear.