What does the compression rotation test for the shoulder assess?

The compression rotation test is specifically designed to evaluate the integrity of the labrum in the shoulder. This test involves applying a compressive force while simultaneously rotating the shoulder joint. The purpose of this maneuver is to create tension within the labrum to determine if there is any tear or injury present.

When the test is performed, if there is any catching, popping, or pain, it may indicate a labral tear or lesion. This is because the labrum acts as a stabilizer for the shoulder joint, deepening the glenoid cavity and serving as an attachment site for various structures. Disruption to this structural role can lead to instability and pain, which the compression rotation test can help identify.

In contrast, other assessments for shoulder conditions focus on different aspects, such as rotator cuff integrity, which pertains to the tendons and muscles supporting shoulder movement, joint capsule stability relating to the overall integrity of the connective tissues that surround the joint, and subscapularis strength, which specifically evaluates the strength of one muscle responsible for internal rotation of the shoulder. Each of these components plays a role in shoulder function, but the compression rotation test is unique in its focused assessment of labral integrity.