Protzman Test

Published July 2, 2026 Read time 2 min read Readers 3
Protzman Test

What is the “Protzman Test” used for?

  • Shoulder Anterior Instability

How to perform the “Protzman Test”?

  • The patient is sitting. The examiner abducts the patientā€™s arm to 90Ā° and supports the arm against the examinerā€™s hip so that the patientā€™s shoulder muscles are relaxed.Ā 
  • The examiner palpates the anterior aspect of the head of the humerus with the fingers of one hand deep in the patientā€™s axilla while the fingers of the other hand are placed over the posterior aspect of the humeral head.Ā 
  • The examiner then pushes the humeral head anteriorly and inferiorly
  • The test can also be done with the patient in the supine-lying position with the elbow supported on a pillow

What is the positive result?

  • If this movement causes pain and if palpation indicates abnormal anteroinferior movement, the test is positive for anterior instability
  • Anterior translation should normally be no more than 25% of the diameter of the humeral head.
  • A click may sometimes be palpated as the humeral head slides over the glenoid rim.

References

  1. Valencia Mora M, IbĆ”n MƁR, Heredia JD, GutiĆ©rrez-GĆ³mez JC, Diaz RR, Aramberri M, Cobiella C. Physical Exam and Evaluation of the Unstable Shoulder. Open Orthop J. 2017 Aug 31;11:946-956. doi: 10.2174/1874325001711010946. PMID: 29114336; PMCID: PMC5646139. Link
  2. Protzman, R R. ā€œAnterior instability of the shoulder.ā€Ā The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volumeĀ vol. 62,6 (1980): 909-18. Link