O’Brien’s Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 1 min read Readers 4
OBriens Test

What is the "O'Brien's Test" used for?

  • Labral Injuries and SLAP lesions

How to perform the "O'Brien's Test"?

  • Patient forward flexes the affected arm to 90 degrees while keeping the elbow fully extended.
  • The arm is then adducted 10-15 degrees across the body.
  • The patient then pronates the forearm so the thumb is pointing down.
  • The examiner applies downward force to the wrist while the arm is in this position while the patient resists.
  • The patient then supinates the forearm so the palm is up and the examiner once again applies force to the wrist while the patient resists.

What is the positive result?

  • Positive for SLAP tear when there is pain is “deep” in the glenohumeral joint while the forearm is pronated
  • but not when the forearm is supinated.

Test Accuracy

  • Sensitivity: 100 %
  • Specificity: 98 %

References