Skip to content
PHYSIOPEDIA
☰
Learn
Pain ScienceInjury ScienceLearning AcademyGlossary
Explore
Human AnatomyConditions LibraryClinical Test EncyclopediaRehab ProtocolsExercise Library
Tools
Pain Mapping SystemProgramme BuilderWhat Should I Avoid?Return-to-Sport CentreSafety check
Sport
Sports PhysiotherapyInjury PreventionTools & Equipment
About
References & SourcesCompletion TrackerModule StudioAbout the platform
Clinical test — professional use

Sulcus sign

Assess inferior laxity (multidirectional instability/hypermobility).

🔬 Beyond Rehab Science
AMBER — get assessed before starting rehab
Performed and interpreted by a trained clinician. Shown here so you can understand what an assessment involves—not for self-diagnosis.
PurposeAssess inferior laxity (multidirectional instability/hypermobility).
Procedure
  1. Arm relaxed at the side; the examiner pulls the arm gently downward.
Positive resultA visible dimple (sulcus) appears below the acromion.
InterpretationIndicates inferior laxity, common in congenital hypermobility; compare sides.
Limitations
  • Laxity is not the same as symptomatic instability
  • No single test is definitive.
Diagnostic accuracySensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios will be shown once verified against the cited review(s). Values are never estimated.
Used for
Shoulder instability (labral tear, dislocation, subluxation)
Research
  1. [External] Hegedus EJ, Goode AP, Cook CE, et al. Which physical examination tests provide clinicians with the most value when examining the shoulder? Update of a systematic review with meta-analysis of individual tests. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2012. find original ↗