Purpose of Jobe relocation test or Fowler’s sign (anterior glenohumeral instability): To detect or confirm if there is an anterior instability of the glenohumeral joint (1-3).

Patient position: Supine lying.

Examiner position: Stand facing the patient’s affected side.

Procedure: Perform an apprehension test on the affected glenohumeral joint. At the point where the patient experiences instability or pain, apply a posteriorly directed glide to the glenohumeral joint.

According to Speer et al (2), bring your patient’s affected shoulder to 90-degrees of humerothoracic abduction and 90-degrees of external rotation. Ask if the patient has apprehension and/or pain in this position both with and without application of a posteriorly directed force to the proximal humerus.

Outcome: This test (Jobe relocation test or Fowler’s sign ) is positive if any elicited apprehension and/or pain decreases while applying the posteriorly directed force to the anterior aspect of the proximal humerus (2, 4).

Reference:

1. Silliman JF, Hawkins RJ. Classification and physical diagnosis of instability of the shoulder. Clinical orthopaedics and related research. 1993(291):7-19.
2. Speer KP, Hannafin JA, Altchek DW, Warren RF. An evaluation of the shoulder relocation test. The American journal of sports medicine. 1994;22(2):177-83.
3. Lo IK, Nonweiler B, Woolfrey M, Litchfield R, Kirkley A. An evaluation of the apprehension, relocation, and surprise tests for anterior shoulder instability. The American journal of sports medicine. 2004;32(2):301-7.
4. Jobe FW, Kvitne RS, Giangarra CE. Shoulder pain in the overhand or throwing athlete. The relationship of anterior instability and rotator cuff impingement. Orthopaedic review. 1989;18(9):963-75.