Feagin Test

What is the “Feagin Test” used for?

• It’s a modification of the sulcus sign test
• Used for shoulder multidirectional instability

How to perform the “Feagin Test”?

• The patient stands with the arm abducted to 90° and the elbow extended and resting on the top of the examiner’s shoulder. 
• The examiner’s hands are clasped together over the patient’s humerus, between the upper and middle thirds. 
• The examiner pushes the humerus down and forward. 

The test can also be done with the patient in a sitting position:

• In this case, the examiner holds the patient’s arm at the elbow (elbow straight) abducted to 90° with one hand and arm holding the arm against the examiner’s body. 
• The other hand is placed just lateral to the acromion over the humeral head. 
• Ensuring the shoulder musculature is relaxed, the examiner pushes the head of the humerus down and forward.
• Doing the test this way often gives the examiner greater control when doing the test. 

What is the positive result?

• A look of apprehension on the patient’s face indicates a positive test and the presence of inferior capsular laxity. 
• If both the sulcus sign and Feagin test are positive, it is a greater indication of multidirectional instability rather than just laxity, but it should only be considered positive if the patient is symptomatic (e.g., pain/ache on activity, shoulder does not “feel right” with activity).

Test Accuracy

• Sensitivity: 30%
• Specificity: 90%

References

1. Gaskill TR, Taylor DC, Millett PJ. Management of multidirectional instability of the shoulder. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19:758–767. Pubmed
2. Orthopedic Physical Assessment by David J. Magee, 7th Edition.