Feagin Test (Abduction Inferior Stability Test)

The Feagin test or abduction inferior stability test is a modification of the sulcus sign test that is used for shoulder multidirectional instability especially inferior shoulder stability. Some authors consider it to be the second part of the sulcus test.

How to perform the Feagin Test of the shoulder?

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. A sulcus sign may also be seen above the coracoid process.

See Also: Sulcus Sign

What is a positive Feagin Test?

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). This test position also places more stress on the inferior glenohumeral ligament.

Reliability of the Feagin Test

• Sensitivity: 30%
• Specificity: 90%

References & More

1. Orthopedic Physical Assessment by David J. Magee, 7th Edition.
2. Rockwood CA. Subluxations and dislocations about the shoulder. In: Rockwood CA, Green DP, eds. Fractures in Adults. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott; 1984
3. McClusky GM. Classification and diagnosis of glenohumeral instability in athletes. Sports Med Artho Rev. 2000;8:158–169.
4. Gaskill TR, Taylor DC, Millett PJ. Management of multidirectional instability of the shoulder. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19:758–767. Pubmed